4 May 2021
It is a common infection caused by the herpes virus that manifests through spots composed of small blisters that form around the mouth and lips. When blisters burst, scabs appear that take time to fall off. The cold sore outbreak usually lasts less than 20 days.
It is transmitted from one person to another by direct contact, as the person may be infected before symptoms appear.
Cold sore infection, also known as fever blisters, can be due to two types of herpes:
Both can appear in the mouth or genitals through intimate contact (kissing, oral sex) or personal hygiene utensils.
We are all at risk of suffering from cold sores, in fact, most of us already have the virus even though it never manifests, but the incidence is higher when our immune system is weak due to a chronic disease or certain drugs, such as:
The symptoms vary and depend on whether it is an initial or a recurrent outbreak, which tends to be less severe each time.
As the herpes virus is dormant and cannot be eliminated, it can resurface by:
After analyzing your symptoms and performing the corresponding physical examination, your doctor will indicate the treatment to follow, which usually consists mainly of topical creams and ointments, although it may also indicate an oral antiviral medication.
If your infection is severe, antivirals may be administered intramuscularly.
Prompt treatment can help lessen the discomfort of blisters and other symptoms. However, once you have been infected, the virus will remain dormant in your body for life and can resurface at any time.
When the outbreaks are recurrent, your doctor will indicate the treatment that helps reduce their appearance, intensity, and duration.
If you have cold sores, it is important that you take the following preventive measures to avoid spreading it to another person or spreading the virus to other parts of the body:
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