Cold Sore Overview

Cold sore is a communicable disease and spread from one person to another through close contact, such as kissing. Usually the virus is transmitted in early childhood through a kiss by an infected family member. The virus remains inactive in nerves and gets triggered later.These are characterized by fluid filled blisters under the surface of the skin around the face, mouth, tongue or on the lips. They can break open, ooze, and crust over, lasting for a week to 12 days. These can be brutal, but you may find comfort in home remedies and natural treatments.

Causes of Cold Sores:

Herpes simplex virus is the main cause of cold sores. Herpes simplex virus are of two types.

The herpes simplex type 1 virus (HSV-1) usually causes cold sores. The herpes simplex type 2 virus (HSV-2) usually causes genital herpes.

The actual sores are similar in appearance for both forms of the virus. Sometimes HSV-1 also causes sores on the genitals and HSV-2 to causes sores on the mouth.

Symptoms:

Swollen, irritated gums with small, painful sores in and around the mouth known as herpes simplex gingivostomatitis.

Sore throat

Swollen glands

Excessive Saliva Production

Fever

Nausea

Bad Breath(Halitosis)

Treatment:

Cold sores usually healed up without any treatment within 7 to 10 days. Antiviral tablets or cream are also used to ease pain and symptoms and help in speedy healing.

Keep hydration – drink good amount of fluids to avoid dehydration

Food – avoid acidic or high salty foods. Eat cool and soft foods

Brushing – use an antiseptic mouthwash

Wash your hands antiseptic soap before and after applying cold sore creams

Do not touch cold sores except to apply cream, and don’t share your cold sore cream with others

Antiviral creams such as aciclovir or penciclovir  may help and speed up the healing time of a recurrent cold sore infection.