What is a Cold Sore and How Do I treat it?
Understanding what a cold sore is and how can you prevent it?
A cold sore is a tiny blister found on the mouth and lips. It is otherwise known as fever blister because the area surrounding it is swollen, red and sore. At start, it is a tiny bump that eventually becomes an open lesion that produces clear discharges. While it heals, it turns into scab until it eventually disappears leaving a reddish discoloration in the skin. Cold sore is due to herpes simplex virus infections. Herpes virus are classified into two – : Herpes simplex virus type 1 and herpes simplex virus type 2. HSV-1 most commonly causes appearance of a cold sore.
It is transmitted through contact with the cold sore such as kissing or licking. It can also be transmitted through contact with body fluids that are infected such as having contact with saliva and sharing utensils and other personal things. A cold sore present in an adult may be spread on to children through kissing. Moreover, it can be spread to other areas such as the genitals through other sexual styles.
What are the signs and symptoms of Cold Sore?
Cold sore may begin as a fever indicating presence of infection. Tingling, burning, pain in the mouth and sore throat signals the appearance of a blister. Once in active infection, the lymph nodes around the neck enlarge indicating an infectious process near the area (as in this case, infection in the mouth). More advanced cold sore in the mouth may descend to the throat and esophagus which causes difficulty and painful swallowing. A cold sore can be so painful especially to children and those who have a lot of them. The blisters normally heal in 20 days so supportive management should be instituted to provide relief from pain, hasten the healing and prevent further spread.
The following are recommended home remedies for cold sore:
1. Keep the area clean and dry. A moist environment is a potential place for microorganisms to replicate and cause further infection. Keep it clean and dry by using a soft cloth to prevent irritation.
2. Avoid too much contact with the cold sore. Avoid touching the lesions using bare hands and too often. Some people become irritated by their presence and unconsciously touch the area. Frequent touching may further irritated and enlarge the sore.
3. Exercise oral care by use of sodium chloride solution (mix 2 pinches of salt with 1 glass lukewarm water). Warm water and salt soothes the itching and pain on the blisters and maintains a healthy and clean mouth to prevent further infection.
Aside from these home remedies, consulting a physician is always better to have a holistic approach for the infection. An antiviral herpes cream may be prescribed to reduce the duration of the healing process. Anesthetic creams may also be applied to decrease the pain. Other oral antiviral medications such as acyclovir can be taken to have systemic actions and faster effect. These medications should be taken properly as these may produce side effects.
A cold sore may affect the body image of the individual so proper emotional and psychological support as well as non judgmental attitude should be given by support systems.
