Cold sores cool compress1/30/2024 The virus can reactivate from time to time. The virus remains dormant (asleep) in the sensory nerves close to the area where it was caught. Many catch it and never notice any symptoms. Once you have caught it, you will notice symptoms, such as sores or blisters, within 2 days to 2 weeks. It is very unlikely to transfer the infection to other parts of the body. Most people only develop lesions in one area. The most common areas of infection are around the mouth (known as cold sores), followed by the genital area (genital herpes) and the hands (whitlows). However, sometimes transmission may occur when there is only an itch or a tingle in the affected area. This is usually when there is a lesion or soreness present. They can be transferred from person to person by direct skin-to-skin contact with the affected area when enough of the virus is present on it. They are called herpes simplex type 1 and type 2. It tells you what it is, what causes it, what can be done about it, and where you get more information. "If you've noticed that your flare-ups are linked to sunlight, be sure to apply sunscreen or sun-protective lip balm before going out in the sun.This leaflet will help you understand more about herpes simplex. If you suffer from cold sores and think they may be caused by stress, it's a good idea to manage your stress via mediation or other relaxation techniques," suggests Dr. "Stress can weaken your immune system, which may be a trigger for cold sores to reemerge. While there's not much you can do about some of these triggers, others can be avoided. Brown says that a cold sore outbreak can be triggered by:īut, here's the good news. So what triggers the virus to reactivate and cause a flare-up?ĭr. When the virus reemerges, it typically does so in the same spot as before." Instead, the virus travels back into your nerves, where it can lie dormant for long periods of time. "After a cold sore heals, the virus isn't actually cleared from your body. "Once a person is infected with herpes simplex virus, he or she is infected for life," says Dr. There's good news, and then there's bad news. So you nipped your last cold sore flare-up in the bud (like a champ), and it lasted less than a week - but here you are, just a few months later, and the cold sores are back. "A burning or tingling sensation on your lips or face can be an early warning sign that a cold sore is developing, and the earlier you start reducing swelling and treating the cold sore, the faster it will heal." How can I stop cold sores from forming? "To get rid of a cold sore quickly, the best thing you can do is start treating it as soon as possible," says Dr. If you're having frequent outbreaks or experiencing some of the serious side effects of having a cold sore, your doctor may consider prescribing antiviral medication. There are antiviral drugs that can help cold sores heal faster, including acyclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir and penciclovir. Some products, such as those containing docosanol or benzyl alcohol, may even promote faster healing when used early and in plentiful amounts.ģ. There are a few over-the-counter anesthetic ointments and creams that can help control pain, such as lidocaine or benzocaine.
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