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 RISING
WOMEN EXPERT ADVICE...
Every winter I get cold soars. Can you explain why and what I can do
about them?
Cold sores affect an outstanding amount of people. In the majority of cases
they are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1). HSV1 generally
only infects those body tissues that lie above the waistline. (Herpes
simplex virus type 2 (HSV2) usually only infects those body tissues that lie
below the waistline and that’s a whole other ball game!)
Signs and symptoms of cold sores include small, painful, fluid-filled
blisters on a raised, red area of your skin, usually on the lips (and
occasionally on the nostrils, chin or fingers). Pain or tingling, called the
prodrome, often occurs prior to the blisters by one to two days and the
average cold sore lasts seven to ten days.
Cold sores are contagious. You can get them from another person who has an
active lesion as well as shared eating utensils, razors, and even towels may
spread this infection. The greatest risk of infection is from the time the
blisters appear until they have completely dried and crusted over. There is
a possibility of spreading the virus for some time even after the skin has
healed.
Once you’ve had an episode of cold sores, the virus lies dormant in the
nerve cells in your skin and may emerge again as an active infection at or
near the original site. You may experience an itch or heightened sensitivity
at the site before the blister reappears. Fever, menstruation, stress and
exposure to the sun may trigger a recurrence.
Though you can’t cure or prevent cold sores, you can take steps to reduce
their frequency and to limit the duration of an occurrence. To start, avoid
kissing and skin contact with people while blisters are present. The virus
can spread easily as long as there are moist secretions from your blisters.
In persons with depressed immune systems, the virus can be spread even after
the skin appears to be healed. Also, keep hands clean and avoid touching
other parts of your body especially the eye and genital areas. It is also
recommended that you apply sun screen to your lips and face during prolonged
exposure to the sun, both summer and winter.
Cold sores generally clear up without treatment in seven to ten days
providing you leave the blisters alone to heal naturally. There are however
many over-the-counter creams that can provide comfort, but don’t expect them
to speed up the healing. If you experience frequent bouts, your doctor may
prescribe an antiviral medication which may shorten the duration of cold
sores and decrease your pain.
To have your questions answered by our panel of Experts, email
experts@risingwomen.com
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