A Cold sore usually starts by feelings of tingle and itching on the lip before bumps are formed. A cold sore is produced by the virus Herpes simplex virus (HSV), a very common virus that lies passively inside many people. About three out of five adults carry the cold sore virus. Cold sore is recognizable by its characterized small fluid-filled blisters. These blisters do not cause scaring but are very contagious.   

Cold sore is contagious through direct contact, for instance through kissing or sexual intercourse. The fluid-filled blisters are formed when the HSV attacks the epidermal cells. The virus moves from the epidermis to the nerve roots through the nerve path. Here it lies dormant. The HSV is inactive until a precipitated factor that weakens the immune system takes place. For instance, a cold, stress, menstruation or intense sun exposure.

There are varieties of how frequent and large blisters emerge among individuals. Amongst some individuals cold sore can occur for no reason. Some people have cold sores regularly, while some only are troubled once or twice in their lifetime. However, the common denominator is that getting cold sore can be uncomfortable and painful.

Treatment for cold sore

– There is no treatment that can completely remove the herpes virus that is the basis for cold sore. By giving cold sore blisters a good condition to heal, you can instead affect the healing process.
– Restrain from direct contact with people who carry cold sore as it is easily contagious.
– Avoid touching the blisters, tearing away the crust, or puncturing it. By allowing the cold sore blister to be untouched you reduce the risk of infection and allow the healing process to become more efficient.
– When touching the blister, making sure to wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
– Cream the blister with an antibacterial cream to relieve the stinging pain and minimize ruptures of the crust from the blister.

Click here to read about treatment with LHP

Page edited 2016-01-07.