Cold Sores - About - www.lipclear.com

Cold Sore Articles:

Lip Clear^® Lysine+

What are cold sores?

Cold sores are small blisters that form around the mouth that are clear and filled with fluid. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus which lives inside nerve tissue. It is estimated that 80% of the population carry the virus and 60 million people have outbreaks once or more per year. Cold sores are also known as fever blisters or Herpes Simplex or HSV1 This is not the same as genital herpes.

Cold sore symptoms are virtually the same for everyone, making them quite easy to diagnose. Since the life cycle of a cold sore outbreak is usually identical to the last outbreak, many people who get cold sores can detect the onset of an outbreak before physical symptoms can be observed.

Cold sores often start with a tingly or itchy sensation where the sore will appear, usually on the lips. After a day or two, the area becomes extra sensitive to the touch and to hot and cold. For many people, applying a cold sore remedy at the first sign of the tingling or itching sensation can either stop the cold sore from developing further, or significantly reduce the life cycle of the sore. After a few days, a small reddish bump will start to form on the itchy/tingly area of skin. The area may also start to become somewhat painful. As the bump grows, it slowly forms into a blister, sometimes round in shape and sometimes irregularly shaped. The blister fills with fluid and grows larger and in some cases other smaller cold sores may appear close to the initial sore. The blister continues to grow and to get increasingly painful, and usually lasts 2-7 days, and finally bursts or breaks. Once the blister has broken, the cold sore will start to scab over. Still relatively painful, the scabbing sore can last another 2-7 days. The scabbing period, or ‘shedding’ as it is called, is the healing of the sore, which will eventually get smaller, and less painful until it is gone completely.

What happens the first time you get a cold sore?

Generally, people first get it when they are infants or children. Interestingly enough, only about 20% of those carrying the virus ever get symptoms - that is, break out in actual cold sores. The sores can appear within days or weeks or even years following that first exposure to the virus. The first time symptoms appear they are usually more intense that subsequent outbreaks. For example some people experience more pain at the blister site or even flu-like symptoms including swollen glands, fever or sore throat.

Canker sore VS Cold sore

Cold sores usually appear around the mouth while canker sores appear in the mouth. Cold sores are caused by a virus while canker sores are caused by bacteria. If a cold sore is in the mouth, it's usually on the roof of the mouth.

What makes cold sores appear?

Cold sores can be triggered by sunlight, fever, illness, stress, arginine rich foods such as chocolate, food allergies or hormonal changes.

Are cold sores contagious?

Yes. Don't kiss anyone when you have an outbreak. Avoid sharing eating utensils, toothbrushes, razors and towels.

What are the stages of a cold sore?

Cold sores, untreated, can last up 14 days. Beginning treatment at the first sign of tingling can reduce the time to as little as 2-4 days. Beginning treatment after the blister appears can also significantly reduce the time and degree of pain.

Day 1: Prodrome (tingle) stage - Before a blister appears, one usually feels a tingling, itching or burning sensation beneath the skin, usually around the mouth or the base of the nose. This is the best time to start treatment.(1)

Days 2 to 3: The blister(s) appear.

Day 4: Ulcer or weeping stage - This is when the blister opens up revealing a reddish area. One is most contagious and in the most pain.(2)

Days 5 to 8: Crusting stage - The blisters dry up and a crust forms which is yellow or brown in color. Do not pick at this crust.(3)

Days 9 to 14: Healing stage - A series scabs will form over the sore, each smaller than the previous one until the cold sore is completely healed.

Cold Sore Articles:

*Safety and Effectiveness of a Lysine Based Product on the Treatment of Facial and Circumoral Herpes.

Top of What Are Cold Sores

www.lipclear.com

Lip Clear^® Lysine+