Fever blisters or cold sores are viral infections
caused by HSV-1 or Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1 and this infection is
contagious. The virus can spread from one person to another through
direct contact on the infected area and through anything that comes in
contact with the sores like sharing eating utensils, drinking glasses,
straw, toothbrush, lipstick, towels and other personal stuffs. At first,
the infected person will experience tingling and numbness on the
infected area until small red fluid filled blisters appears. The
blisters usually appear on the lips, face and nostrils but they can also
appear inside the mouth and may also spread to other parts including
the eyes which can be really dangerous and may lead to blindness if left
untreated. Cold sores flare ups may go away on its own without
treatment within a week or two but it is best to seek treatment at once
if the infection is near the eye area, you have weakened immune system,
you have other health condition, you start to develop bacterial
infections and if you have trouble eating.
Many people infected by the virus causing cold
sores have the virus since they were kids and not aware of it because
the virus can remain dormant in one’s body for many years until
triggered to cause another cold sores flare ups. They most
likely got the virus from sharing eating utensils, drinking glasses or
they are kissed by adults who are infected by the virus. Since the virus
has the ability to hide and sleep in human’s body, many people infected
by the virus are experiencing repeated cold sores flares ups and of
course they want to break this cycle.
How to stop the cycle of cold sores flare ups?
Take medications as prescribed by your doctor.
Although fever blisters can go away on their own, your doctor may
prescribe antiviral medicines to ease the pain, speed up healing and
lessen your cold sores flare ups. Taking antiviral medicines at
the onset of infections can speed up your recovery and shorten the
natural course of the infection. Antiviral medicines can have side
effects like headache, nausea and upset stomach so it is best to
communicate with your doctor and follow his or her advice.
Relieve your stress. Emotional and mental stress can lead to cold sores flare ups
and if you want to stop the cycle of recurring cold sores, you need to
learn to handle emotional or mental stress. Regular exercise and
relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation can help you relieve
stress. Avoid stressful situations and learn to handle stressful
negative emotions like anxiety, anger, fear, grief, depression and
frustration.
Protect your skin. If you have cold sores, you must
protect your skin from excessive sunlight to stop the virus from
propagating and to avoid impairing your immune system. Avoid tanning bed
and bright sunlight. Stay out of the sun from 11A.M. to 3P.M. when the
sunlight is at its strongest. Apply lip balm with sunscreen of at least
SPF 15 or sunblock on your face.
