Canker, Herpes labialis, Oral herpes, Canker sore, Herpes simplex, Fever blister, Lesion
Root Cause of Disease
Cold sores are sometimes called oral herpes because they are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). This virus is very common and highly contagious. It spreads through saliva or close contact – often through kissing or by sharing utensils, straws, towels or lip balm with someone who has a cold sore. It has been infected with HSV-1 because symptoms of exposure to HSV-1 are generally mild. Children sometimes develop a fever and small blisters inside and around their mouths when they are first exposed to HSV-1.
Symptoms
For many people, symptoms are more severe the first time they develop a cold sore. When you have a cold sore outbreak:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Painful Gums
- Muscle aches
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Over 2-3 days, the blisters rupture and ooze fluid that is clear or slightly yellow. This is sometimes called the “weeping phase.”
- About 4-5 days after the cold sore appears, it crusts and scabs over. It might crack or bleed as it heals.
Causes
Cold sores are caused by certain strains of the herpes simplex virus (HSV).HSV-1 usually causes cold sores.HSV-2 is usually responsible for genital herpes. But either type can spread to the face or genitals through close contact, such as kissing or oral sex. Shared eating utensils, razors and towels might also spread HSV-1.
Cold sores are most contagious when you have oozing blisters because the virus easily spreads through contact with infected body fluids. But you can spread the virus even if you don’t have blisters. Many people who are infected with the virus that causes cold sores never develop signs and symptoms.
- Viral infection or fever
- Hormonal changes, such as those related to menstruation
- Stress
- Fatigue
- Exposure to sunlight and wind
- Changes in the immune system
- Injury to the skin
Home Remedies To Treat Cold Sore
Remedy – 1 : Aloe Vera
Materials : Aloe vera
Aloe vera, the cooling gel found inside the leaves of the aloe plant, may bring cold sore relief. Apply aloe vera gel or aloe vera lip balm to a cold sore three times a day.
Remedy – 2: Petroleum Jelly
A petroleum jelly such as Vaseline won’t necessarily heal a cold sore, but it may ease discomfort. The petroleum jelly helps prevent cracking. It also serves as a protective barrier against outside irritants. Even so, the verdict is still out on whether cold sores heal faster if they’re kept moist or dry.
Product Link : Petroleum Jelly
Remedy – 3 : Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil is one more natural solution to get rid of cold sore effectively. Eucalyptus oil contains anti-viral property which helps kill the virus effectively and quickly treat the cold sore.
Product Link : Eucalyptus oil
Preventions
To prevent spreading cold sores to other people, you should wash your hands often and avoid skin contact with others. Make sure you don’t share items that touch your mouth, such as lip balm and food utensils, with other people during an outbreak.
You can help prevent the reactivation of the cold sore virus by learning your triggers and taking steps to prevent them. Some prevention tips include:
- If you get cold sores when you’re in the sun, apply a zinc oxide lip balm before soaking up some rays.
- If a cold sore pops up each time you’re stressed, practice stress management techniques such as meditation and journaling.
- Avoid kissing anyone who has a cold sore, and do not perform oral sex on anyone who has active genital herpes.
- Don’t share towels, razors, dishes, cutlery, straws, lip balm or lipstick.
- Wash your hands before touching your lips, eyes or genitals.
- Try to stay healthy:A fever can trigger a cold sore, which is why people sometimes call them fever blisters.
- Get enough rest:Fatigue weakens your immune system and makes you more likely to get sick.
