Cold sores, most commonly found around the mouth, are small blisters that may be spread to other parts of the body. Fever blisters are another common name for them. Spreading easily, they are considered highly contagious, and are caused by HSV, better known as the herpes simplex virus. A cure cannot be affected because HSV is a virus, but treatment is available. Estimations of total infection of the population may be as high as 80%.
There are two forms of HSV. Type 1, or HSV-1, is the major cause for cold sores around the mouth and various other mucous membranes. Type 2, or HSV-2, is the major cause of genital herpes. Both types can be spread to both areas, through oral or genital contact with mucous membranes or breaks in the skin. This is the direct cause for such a high infection rate of the population.
There may be a few variations, but there are typically five stages for an outbreak. Before blisters form and show, when there is burning and irritation below the skin is known as the ‘tingle’ stage. When small blisters form visibly, the blister stage has started.
As the blister break and weep, the ulcer stage has started. As the areas crust over, the crusting stage starts. Finally, in the final healing stage, all of the sores crust over and heal, taking up to two weeks to fully heal.
There are several treatments, both over the counter and prescribed, that can treat the burning, itching, and general discomfort. There are even a few home remedies that have been tried during the ‘tingle’ stage such as applying ice for intervals or a damp tea bag to the area.
It is very important to maintain clean hands and practices throughout every stage of the virus and not touch any other part of the body when the blisters form. Cold sores can even be spread to the mucous membranes of the eyes, causing scarring and blindness. Refraining from kissing someone and an absolute ban at this time on any oral sex is a must, to prevent spreading the infection to someone else.
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