Cold Sores What are Cold Sores?
Once someone has been exposed to the cold sore virus, it usually remains inactive (dormant) thoughout a person’s lifetime. However, sometimes the virus (HSV) is triggered, causing a cold sore outbreak. These triggers vary from person to person. Some people suffer from cold sores that recur frequently, while others will have one, then never have one again. In some people, the HSV remains dormant and they never get cold sores.
There are a number of things that can trigger an episode of cold sores. These include:
•Stress
•Being ‘run down’ and tired
•Injury to the mouth
•Fever
•Hormonal changes associated with menstruation
•Exposure to strong sunlight
The first time that people get the herpes simplex virus they may not experience any symptoms. However, it can make some people feel unwell, and symptoms of oral herpes can include:
•A tingling sensation, redness and swelling around the mouth area prior to the cold sore appearing
•Small blisters which burst and develop a yellow crust which usually falls off around seven days later
•Blisters inside the mouth (stomatitis)
•Painful, red and swollen gums (gingivitis) accompanied by bad breath
•Sore throat and swollen glands
•Feeing unwell with flu-like symptoms
•Dehydration
Once you have been exposed to the primary oral herpes infection, the virus lies dormant in your body. It can then become active from time to time, and these episodes manifest as cold sores on the lip or around the mouth. Recurrent cold sores tend to appear in or around the same place each time, and sufferers usually immediately recognize them from the “tingling” sensation that precedes each episode.
The herpes simplex virus is easily spread by being touched, and can spread to other skin areas around the body, including fingers, eyes or genitals. Always wash your hands are contact with a cold sore.
