You feel a tingling on your lip and a small, hard spot you can’t yet see. In a day or two, red blisters appear on your lip. This all too familiar scenario signals yet another cold sore, probably happening at a bad time, and there’s no way to hide it or make it go away quickly.

Also called fever blisters they’re quite different from canker sores. The contagious cold sore is caused by herpes simplex virus type 1. The non-contagious canker sores are ulcers found in the soft tissue inside your mouth where cold sores don’t occur.

Genital herpes is usually caused by herpes simplex virus type 2. However, either type of the virus can cause facial or genital sores.

Signs and symptoms
Common, cold sores cannot be cured or prevented, but steps can be taken to reduce frequency and limit the duration of an outbreak.

Symptoms can start up to 20 days after exposure to the virus. Pain, tingling, itch or heightened sensitivity often precedes the small, painful, fluid-filled blisters. They appear on a raised, red, painful area of your skin in one to two days.

The blisters usually form on your lips. They break, ooze and then form a yellow crust that finally sloughs off to reveal pinkish skin that heals without a scar and can last seven to ten days.

They can occur on nostrils, chin or fingers and although unusual, they may occur inside your mouth, but only on gums or the roof of your mouth.

Once you’ve had an episode of cold sores, the virus lies dormant in the skin’s nerve cells and may emerge again as an active infection on or near the original site. You may experience an itch or heightened sensitivity at the site preceding each attack.

Treatment
Cold sores generally clear up without treatment in 7 to 10 days. If you experience frequent bouts, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication to treat the cold sores. Using a medication may shorten the duration and decrease your pain.

• Avoid kissing and skin contact with people who have blisters. The virus can spread as long as there are moist secretions from your blisters
• Avoid sharing utensils, towels, razors and other items when blisters are present
• Keep your hands clean. If you have a cold sore wash your hands thoroughly before touching anyone
• Be careful about touching other parts of your body. Your eyes and genital area may be particularly susceptible
• Recognise your triggers which can include: fever, menstruation, stress and sun exposure
• Avoid your triggers when possible
• Use sunblock on lips and face in winter and summer to prevent cold sores.
  
  
  H&L
  
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