Cold Sore Causes, Symptoms and Prevention of Outbreak

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A cold sore also known as a fever blister is caused by a virus called simplex virus one in short HSV-1. Fever blisters are filled with small fluid. They are most commonly observed in and around the lip area. A recent study showed that more than 45 million people are affected by cold sores each year. In some cases, the signs may not be clearly visible. The rate of this infection is high among Americans. This virus is spread from one person to another through the exchange of infected bodily fluids. Unfortunately the curing this condition is not easy because after treating the cold sore, the virus is not completely eliminated but instead it stays dormant in the body and can emerge again at any time.

Symptoms of cold sores
Some of the main symptoms of cold sores are:
Raised blisters
Redness
Pain
Burning
Itching
Oozing puss
Depression
Mood changes
Soar
Fever
Sore throat
Numbness
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

Tips to prevent cold sore outbreaks

(i) You should avoid direct contact with the people who are suffering from the cold sore problem. Also, avoid touching the infected area and if you happen to touch cold sores, then immediately wash your hands so that virus does not spread cold sore to your face if touch your face. Kissing a person with the herpes virus or even sharing a drinking glass can lead to this highly infectious disease. Oral and genital contacts should be purely avoided.

(ii) If you have suffered cold sore in the past, then avoid overexposure to harsh winds and intense sunlight as these adverse environmental conditions may activate the dormant simplex virus present in your body.

(iii) To prevent cold sores outbreak apply sunscreen moisturizer with SPF 15 or above when your skin is exposed to harsh sunlight.

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