Cold Sore Frequently Asked Questions

 

What are cold sores?

Cold sores are small red blisters that appear around the mouth or lips. They can be tender or painful to touch. Cold sores usually heal within a week to ten days

What causes cold sores?

Cold sores are caused by a very common virus called the herpes simplex virus of which there are two forms (HSV-1 & HSV-2). The HSV-1 virus is very common, over 80% of the UK population carries it but it is normally it is subdued by the body's immune system. It is only when the immune system is weakened that cold sores appear.

HSV-2 usually causes genital herpes and is less common. The simplex virus can be transmitted by close personal contact such as kissing etc.

What are the symptoms of cold sores?

You will usually feel a tingling sensation on the lip before the cold sores appear. This is the best time to apply any preventative treatment such as antiviral cream.

How do you treat cold sores?

If you already heave the sores, they will generally heal them selves within a few day but you can shorten the duration by using any of a number of cold sore treatments whether the are creams, patches or heat treatments.

Avoid touching the cold sore if you can as this can often make them worse as well as risking transferring the virus to someone else or other part of the body.

How do I stop the cold sores from appearing?

The earlier you catch the cold sore, the more chance you have of stopping it from ever developing. As soon as you feel the tingling on or around your lips, apply the treatment as early as possible.

How do I stop cold sores from recurring?

The simplex virus in general only results in cold sores when the body's natural defenses are low. To avoid this make sure you have a health life style and a well balanced diet as well as enough sleep.

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