Cold Sores

Cold sores (also known as oral herpes or fever blisters) are small blisters which are usually occur on the  lips, although can affect other areas of the face such as the nose, eyes (ocular herpes), inside the mouth. In rare occasions  it can travel to the brain (herpes encephalitis). This is life threatening & requires immediate medical attention.

Infection occurs when the herpes virus enters the skin & travels along the sensory nerves where it remains in an inactive (latent) state. During an outbreak, the virus travels back down nerves to the skin where it multiples, causing a cold sore.

Statistics vary, but it appears that around 70-90% of the population carry the virus. Infection occurs most commonly in childhood.

Are cold sores the same as genital herpes?

Generally, cold sores (oral herpes) are caused by the herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV 1) and genital herpes by the herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV 2).

It is possible for HSV 1 to cause genital herpes via oral to genital or genital to genital contact with a person who has a HSV 1 infection.

How do I catch cold sores?

Transmission most commonly occurs via direct contact with somebody who has an active lesion. The virus enters via cracks in the skin or the oral mucosa. It is possible to become infected at other times due to asymptomatic shedding (shedding the virus through the skin with no active symptoms).

Once you become infected with the herpes simplex virus, you have it for life. Some people become infected with a cold sore & never display symptoms. Others may occasionally develop a cold sore, and some may frequently have outbreaks.

What are the symptoms of cold sores?

It is quite common to display no symptoms at all when you are initially infected. Sometimes you will display typical cold sore type symptoms which may include;

• Tingling & itching

• Redness & swelling

• A small blister (or blisters) will appear

• After a two to three days the blister will crust over

What triggers cold sores?

There are several triggers that can bring on cold sores. These include;

• Sickness

• Stress

• Sunburn

• Hormonal changes

• Exposure to windy conditions

• Fatigue

Cold sore treatment:

As we have mentioned, once you become infected there is no cure. There are ways to help prevent outbreaks or reduce the severity in the event of an outbreak. 

Ointments or tablets containing Aciclovir can shorten the duration of an outbreak.

Sometimes over the counter painkillers such as panadol can relieve discomfort.

L-Lysine is an amino acid that is believed to reduce the frequency & severity of cold sores.

Please consult your doctor if you suspect you have a cold sore, if you have frequent outbreaks of cold sores or if they are slow to heal.

Preventing the spread of cold sores:

• Avoid sharing toothbrushes, drink bottles, cutlery, towels etc.

• Close contact with others when you have an active lesion. This includes kissing, especially young children.

• Wash your hands frequently, especially if you have touched the infected area

Warning:

To healthy adults, cold sores are an annoyance but not dangerous. However, infection in newborns (neonatal herpes simplex)  can be very severe in newborns  & in some cases have lead to death. Infants are most commonly infected with HSV 2 (genital herpes) during delivery.

If you have symptoms of a cold sore or suspect you may be shedding the virus, avoid contact with newborn babies.

Also see:

Canker Sores, Genital Herpes

Please note:

The medical articles on this site have not been written by a doctor & should not be considered a replacement for a doctors visit. The articles are provided for informative purposes only & should not be used for  the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. 

While great care has been made in the creation of these articles, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or omissions on these pages. If in any doubt whatsoever, seek professional medical advice.