Cold Sores – symptoms, signs and treatment

Cold sores are usually a mild form of the herpes virus known as Herpes labialis or labial herpes.  This is an infection of the lip, although the small, hard, painful blisters may show up all around the area of the mouth and nose.  These herpes cold sores usually heal with 2-3 weeks, but the virus itself never really goes away.  It stays dormant in the body often in the facial nerves and can reactivate to create new herpes cold sores in the same area at a later time.

The virus enters the body when it comes in contact with the mucous membrane epithelium of the mouth or any opened skin around the mouth or nose.  While lying dormant in the body the herpes cold sore’s virus shows no symptoms.  When the sores do appear, they most commonly only last 2 weeks or so.  The main symptom other than the sores is inflammation of the cheek and gums which will typically start around the time the herpes cold sores show up.  Rarely are there any complications from this type of infection.

Currently there’s no way to completely rid the body of the virus. There are over-the-counter medicines, which can nullify the symptoms and reduce the effects of the outbreak. Most often topical over-the-counter herpes cold sores medications simply numb the pain of the small, but uncomfortable lesions.   A doctor can also prescribe antiviral medications, which work against the herpes cold sores virus by interfering with viral replication.  In other words, this medication temporarily stops the virus from being able to replicate itself.  There are topical versions of the antiviral drugs.

There are dietary supplements such as vitamin E and C to curb the effects of herpes cold sores outbreaks.  Lemon balm and lysine are also touted as bringing some sufferers relief. Ice can be used to dull the pain and inflammation that occurs during an outbreak of herpes cold sores.  Only use ice for 15 or so minutes at a time. Sunlight can cause problems so it’s better to either avoid or always wear sun block. Ultraviolet light can worsen a current outbreak or trigger one if the virus is dormant.