Cold Sores
- 1. Fitango Education Health Topics Cold Sores http://www.fitango.com/categories.php?id=343
- 2. Overview Cold sores are caused by a contagious virus called herpes simplex. There are two types of herpes simplex virus. Type 1 usually causes oral herpes, or cold sores. Type 1 herpes virus infects more than half of the U.S. population by the time they reach their 20s. Type 2 usually affects the genital area. 1
- 3. Symptoms Some people have no symptoms from the infection. But others develop painful and unsightly cold sores that last for a week or more. Cold sores usually occur outside the mouth -- on the lips, chin, and cheeks, or in the nostrils. When they do occur inside the mouth, it is usually on the gums or the roof of the mouth. 2
- 4. Diagnosis People who get cold sores usually recognize them by the way they look and where they are located. If needed, a blood test can show whether a person is infected with HSV-1. 3
- 5. Diagnosis Canker sores are often confused with cold sores. The main difference between them is that canker sores develop inside the mouth. Cold sores are not found inside the mouth. Canker sores are not contagious. 4
- 6. Treatment There is no cure for cold sores. Medicines can relieve some of the pain and discomfort associated with the sores. These include ointments that numb the blisters, antibiotics that control secondary bacterial infections, and ointments that soften the crusts of the sores. 5
- 7. Prevention One way to prevent cold sores is to prevent diseases such as cold and flu. A healthy lifestyle cuts down on the number of diseases and infections a person may get. Healthy living includes a balanced diet, exercise, sleeping well and avoiding emotional stress. 6
- 8. Prevention Some people associate cold sores with long exposure to the sun. You can prevent cold sores caused by sun exposure by using sun block. It should be applied to your lips and any areas affected by cold sores. Cold sores can be associated with dry or injured lips. In this case, use lip moisturizer as soon as you notice your lips are dry or injured. 7
- 9. Prevention An over-the-counter amino acid supplement called lysine works for many people who get cold sores often. By taking a daily pill, many people with HSV- 1 experience almost no outbreaks. Check with your doctor to see if lysine supplements are right for you. 8
- 10. Prevention To prevent spreading the cold sore virus to other parts of your body, wash your hands after touching or putting ointment on your cold sores. The eyes and genital area can catch the virus more easily than other parts of the body. To prevent infecting other people: • Avoid kissing people while you have blisters 9
- 11. Prevention • Wash your hands before touching other people when you have cold sores. • Do not share utensils or razors with others. • Do not share towels when you have cold sores. 10
- 12. Prevention People who have a weak immune system cannot fight herpes very well. Such people include those with AIDS or who are on chemotherapy. A herpes infection could be fatal for them so be extra careful around them! People with eczema may have open sores. Avoid touching their skin unless you have just thoroughly washed your hands. 11