About Cold Sores - Part 1
The cold sore is a benign skin lesion on the periphery of the lip.
Although most of the time it disappears spontaneously, the early stage
small lump and the blisters that follow are quite painful and unsightly.
The cold sores (herpes labialis) appear most often on the periphery of
the lips. But they may also appear in the mouth, chin, nose, cheeks, and
forehead and even on other parts of the body.
If they are the result of infection by a virus, but you can still add
other potential culprits such as fatigue, stress, illness, the sun,
cold, makeup products, soap and other food products. The cold sores
appear gradually, in several phases, a tingling or a burning sensation
on the lips will generally be the warning signs. One to two days later,
a red spot will appear and quickly become small open blisters filled
with yellowish liquid. These will in turn cause itching, a burning
sensation and pain. Then, the blister will burst and small ulcers will
be formed, they will then gradually dry out and be covered with a crust,
and eventually disappear without leaving scars.
Each cold sore contains millions of virus that will spread through
mucous membranes or wounds of the skin. It's when the sores break that
contamination risks is at its highest. To limit the risks to a minimum,
it is recommended that the person does not to touch them with their
fingers, that way you prevent the virus from spreading in the eyes or
other body parts.
If you've been in contact with cold sores, then it is better to wash
your hands immediately. And if a member of your family has a cold sore,
it is better that they do not share gloves toiletries and towels, and do
not drink in the same glass as anyone else.
Remember that it is possible to be infected by the virus from childhood
through close contacts such as kisses. And sometimes, this first contact
with the virus causes a general infection or inflammation in the mouth
or around it.
According to research, probably 90% of the population is a carrier of
the virus in question, while only about 20% will suffer the visible
consequences. For some people, cold sores will manifest themselves after
an interval of a few years, among others, less fortunate, it will be
after a few months. On average, people prone to cold sores will have to
bear the onslaught two to three times a year.
If you have cold sores, it is generally not useful to consult a doctor;
the infection disappears mostly on its own, after ten to fifteen days.
In addition, the medicines we have now are most often not very
effective. A visit to the doctor, however, is recommended if your
resistance has been severely weakened (for example after a prolonged
illness). The virus may indeed be the cause of complications. Also,
contact your doctor if your cold sores are in the eye or if they do not
heal spontaneously. In the latter case, it may be the sign of a
bacterial infection. |
