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Cold Sores
Cold Sores Overview
Cold sores are caused by a viral infection that attacks the skin and nervous system. Cold sores are small, painful, fluid-filled blisters on the mouth or nose.
Cold Sore Causes
Cold sores are caused by the virus known as herpes simplex type I (HSV-1). After the first episode of the disease, the virus lies dormant in the nerves or skin around the original area until something sets the virus off into another eruption. Colds, flu, and even stress can cause you to have an outbreak of cold sores. Why you have an outbreak at one time of life and not another is not clearly understood.
- HSV-1 is different from herpes simplex type II (HSV-2), which is the virus that causes the sexually transmitted disease known as genital herpes.
- HSV-1 is a very common virus. It is thought that 90% of adults have been exposed to the virus during their lifetime.
Cold Sore Symptoms
- The first symptom that may appear during an outbreak of cold sores may include tingling, burning, or itching in the area around the mouth or nose. This first portion of the outbreak is known as the prodromal stage or period.
- Within a few hours to days, the area may become reddened and develop small fluid-filled blisters. Several of these small blisters may even come together and form one large blister.
When to Seek Medical Care
If you notice that there is pus (a yellow-white fluid that is filled with bacteria or virus) in any of your sores or if you develop a fever higher than 100.5°F or if you have any irritation to the eyes, call your doctor.
If you have any disease that causes your immune system to be weak and unable to fight off regular diseases such as cancer and HIV, call your doctor. Also inform your doctor about any new lesions or sores that develop. You might prevent some of the more serious complications that may occur with herpes simplex I with your early communication with your doctor.
If you become confused, have a high fever, or are unable to swallow, go to a hospital's Emergency Department. Further treatment may be needed, and special tests may be required.
Exams and Tests
Diagnosis of cold sores is usually done by examination of the cold sores. Usually people with cold sores have a history of similar episodes in the past. Furthermore, there is then no need for any laboratory tests to be done, except for people with weakened immune systems for whom the risk of spreading is greatly increased. Special tests may be done on samples of fluid taken from the sores, if the diagnosis is unclear.
Cold Sore Treatment
Self-Care at Home
The blisters of HSV-1 contain the virus that causes cold sores. Without proper hygiene, this virus can be very contagious. This is why it is important if you have cold sores to wash your hands often, especially after you may have touched your face. Do not share cups or utensils with another person.
WebMD Medical Reference from eMedicineHealth
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