What are cold sores?
Despite the name, cold sores are caused by a virus, but not the kind that makes you sniffle and sneeze. Instead, they happen because of an infection with the herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1).
HSV1
Who has HSV1, the cold sore virus? Just about everyone. So, you’re not alone. Fifty percent of all people have the HSV1 virus. After the first time you get cold sores, your body may develop antibodies, and you’ll never have another infection. But over 60% of U.S. adults, though, get repeated cold sores.
Cold sores, also called fever blisters, can show up anywhere on your body. They’re most likely to appear on the outside of your mouth and lips, but you can also find them on your nose, cheeks, or fingers.
After the blisters form, you may notice that they break and ooze. A yellow crust or a scab builds up and eventually falls off, revealing new skin underneath.
The first outbreak is often the worst
The symptoms are usually the most severe the first you time you get cold sores. Not to be scary, but sometimes kids who are affected may become seriously ill. There can sometimes be serious complications from an outbreak. If the infection spreads to the eye, it could affect your vision. But, generally cold sores or fever blisters will last usually last 7 to 14 days, but they can spread to other people until they are healed completely.
How do you catch it?
You usually catch cold sores or fever blisters when you come into contact with people or things that carry the virus. For instance, you can get it from kissing someone who’s infected or when you share eating utensils, towels, or razors.
You may get cold sores as late as 20 days after you came into contact with the virus. Once the virus enters your body, the cold sore may appear near the part it entered. About 2 days before an attack, you may get itchy or feel sensitive at the spot.
What can trigger an outbreak?
Some things can trigger an outbreak, such as: eating certain foods, stress, fever, colds, allergies, sunburns, or menstruation.
Things to avoid:
To protect other people, when you have an outbreak, don’t:
Kiss anyone, or share forks, knives, spoons, glasses, towels, lip balm, and razors. Try to keep your personal items separate during an outbreak and if possible, wash or replace items so you avoid re-infecting yourself.
Disclaimer:
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
