Cold sores (herpes simplex virus) present as blisters on or around the mouth and lips. With this medical condition, symptoms are often slow to develop so you will not know you are infected until the blisters begin to form. In the initial stage of blisters beginning to form, you will likely feel a tingling, itching or burning in the area of infection. While you will want to instinctively scratch or rub the area, doing so will can cause the infection to spread. It is especially important that you do not touch your eyes when you have cold sores as it can cause the infection to spread and cause serious issues with vision.
Causes and Treatment of Cold Sores
There are two types of herpes simplex virus—HSV-1 and HSV-2. The former is the most common cause of cold sores. However, you can also develop cold sores from HSV-2 which is transmitted from the genitals. The cause of cold sores, simply put, is that the condition is a virus. Furthermore, HSV is highly contagious as the infection has already set in before symptoms present. Humans, as social animals, are the ideal hosts for HSV.
There are two important aspects to treating cold stores. The first is self-care, which will help prevent the spread of infection and serious complications arising. Do not touch a cold sore and when applying medication use a cotton bud. Be cruel to be kind by not kissing loved ones or risk spreading the virus through any kind of touch. As the symptoms do not immediately present, washing your hands often before and after confirmation of HSV will also help prevent the infection from spreading. There are effective treatments available which will clear up the infection before it has a chance to spread. Kayal Dermatology provides diagnosis and treatment for cold sores. Contact us today and make an appointment to avoid spreading the infection or scarring.
