subject: Cold Sores: Causes and Treatments [print this page] Cold Sores: Causes and Treatments
Unlike canker sores, cold sores have a well-known cause a virus. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is responsible for most cases of cold sores.
Cold sores are characterized by:Blistering of the lips or around the mouthPain which is initially severe and then dissipates over 4-5 daysLesions appear 2 days to 2 weeks after the person has been exposedThe initial case may be associated with fever, feeling weak, muscle aches and swollen lymph nodesIf there are ulcers near or on the border of the red part of the lip, and they have come back on a couple of occasions in the same location, this is probably a cold sore. This is in contrast to canker sores, which often occur at different places in the oral cavity.Cold sores are contagious. Do not kiss someone with a cold sore. The virus can live on the hand, if you touch your finger to your cold sore. So if you are applying medication to a child wear a glove and wash your hands afterwards.Cold sores reoccur and are often brought on by fever, stress or sunlight. The virus lives in the body and cannot be cured. Those with bad cases can have the cases reduced with the regular use of antiviral medications.When to worryMost self-limiting mouth lesions are painful and last 7-10 days. Certain factors increase the likelihood of a more serious condition:Painless lesionWound that does not heal in 10 daysTreatmentFor comfort, treatment is similar to the treatment for canker sores. Since it is caused by a virus, the medications used to treat the condition is different. There are multiple over the counter and multiple prescription drugs that can treat cold sores.For more information on cold sores check out the free ebook: How to Use Over the Counter Products: A Guide to the Drug Store. The chapter on cold sores provides more details on treatment options including the most effective over-the-counter products and can be found at www.fastandeasyhealth.com http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/cold-sores-causes-and-treatments-3658860.html
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