Cold sores are also called oral herpes or fever blisters. HSV-1 (Herpes simplex type 1) virus is responsible for cold sores. Cold sores generally occur when we get in contact with a person suffering from cold sores. Cold sores are itchy and painful. They generally occur either on the mouth or on the nose. Cold sores are fluid filled sores (small size).
Cold sores don’t get spread immediately. It may take up to 20 days once you are exposed to the virus. A small hard spot accompanied with pain may appear on your lip. It becomes a blister after one or two days. It may last up 10 days. It also appears on nostrils, chin, palate, fingers and on gums inside your mouth.
Steps to Prevent Cold Sores
There is no special treatment to prevent the spreading of cold sores. Avoid sharing lipsticks and drinks with others. Illness, stress, common cold and flu are some of the factors that help in the outbreak of cold sores. If we suffer once from cold sores, they may reappear at a later stage. Cold sores will not leave any scars after they are healed.
Maintaining proper diet and healthy life styles would help to provide relief to the people, who are already suffering from cold sores. Proper sleep and reducing stress would help to prevent the outbreak of fever blisters.
Apply medications or topical creams when you notice early symptoms including tingling. The best way to prevent cold sores is staying away from the people infected with cold sores. Try to wash your hands and other sensitive parts of your body when you are close with the cold sores infected persons. Don’t touch your face with the hands. Also prevent sharing of cups, utensils and clothes with persons having cold sores. Avoid kissing him or her (with cold sores) if you have a relationship. Stop engaging in romance till the cold sores are cured completely. Otherwise cold sores may toggle between both of you.