Cold Sores - 1

Recognize the small, blistering sore that occur on or next to the lips?

It is a cold sore. Occasionally cold sores occur on the nostrils, on the chin or in the mouth.

Cold sores are typically caused by Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1). Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV2) usually affects the genital area. It is possible to transfer the different viruses to other areas of the body. HSV1 (or cold sores) can be transferred to the genitals through oral sex. In the same way, HSV2 (or genital herpes) can be transferred to the mouth.

Cold sores are very common. They occur in people of all races, of all ages, and of both sexes. It is estimated that 80% of Americans will have been infected by the time they are adults.

Most people get cold sores as children, through contact with a friend or family member who is already infected with HSV. It can be spread (transmitted) by kissing, sharing eating utensils or drinking vessels, or by using the same towel.

An interesting fact is that some people may not display the symptoms of infection because their immune systems have the ability to completely suppress the virus.

The virus usually enters the body through a break in the skin around or inside the mouth. It is usually spread when a person touches a cold sore or touches infected fluid-such as from sharing eating utensils or razors, kissing an infected person, or touching that person's saliva. A parent who has a cold sore often spreads the infection to his or her child in this way. Cold sores can also be spread to other areas of the body.

Once a person has been infected with the cold sore virus, they have it for life. After the initial infection, the virus hides in a nearby nerve sheath, lying dormant and causing no symptoms.

However, in some people the virus becomes 'active' from time to time. When activated, the virus multiplies and travels down the nerve sheath to cause cold sore blisters around the s. Some people have cold sores often, others only now and then. It is not clear what causes the dormant virus to become active.

A range of triggers can reactivate the virus to cause a cold sore:

1. Emotional and physical stress may alter or lower the immune system allowing the virus to awaken or reactivate.
2. Colds or other upper respiratory tract infection may also reactivate the virus.
3. Sun or wind exposure without protection, especially on the lips, may reduce the immune activity in the skin leading to a recurrence of cold sores.
4. Hormone changes such as those seen during menstruation.
5. Local trauma or injury to the skin around the lips including dry cracked lips and injury to the skin following cosmetic surgery, chemical peels or laser therapy.

There is no permanent cure for cold sores, but treatment with medicines available from a doctor or pharmacist can reduce the number of cold sores you get and may get rid of the cold sores only 1 to 2 days faster. It can also help ease painful blisters or other uncomfortable symptoms.

Photo: http://www.microbiologybytes.com

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