Cold sores is also called "lip fever" because it occurs when the body is under stress, for example in the presence of a fever. It is an infectious disease caused by the herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1). It mostly occurs in the area around the mouth, but it can also occur on the face, inside the nose, or in the genital area. Genital herpes is most often caused by the herpes simplex 2 virus, although the two viruses can affect both areas of the body.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Recognizing the Development of Herpes Labialis
Step 1. Know that HSV-1 infections are quite common
In the United States alone, more than 60% of the population contract this virus as a teenager and 85% by age 60. In the UK around 7 out of 10 people suffer from it, but only 1 in 5 are aware of it. This is because some people have contracted the virus but do not have any symptoms.
Step 2. Recognize the symptoms of the first rash
Generally the symptoms of cold sores are always the same, but during the first manifestation there may be differences. At this stage you will notice signs and symptoms that will no longer show up. Among those you may first notice are:
- Fever;
- Sore or eroded gums, if herpes has formed inside the mouth
- Sore throat;
- Headache;
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Muscle aches.
Step 3. Look for the warning signs of subsequent attacks
Once you get over the first outbreak of the virus, you can tell when another cold sore will form by checking for some early signs. The area where herpes occurs starts to suddenly become itchy and you may feel some tingling. You may also notice that the area goes numb. This phase, called prodromal, is experienced by 46-60% of people who are affected by the virus.
Other warning symptoms are inflammation, redness, hypersensitivity, or tenderness where the blister will form
Step 4. Check for early signs of redness and swelling
As the blister begins to form, you may notice some kind of boil forming which is likely to create discomfort or real pain. This area becomes red and swollen as well as the surrounding skin. You may notice several small bubbles that develop at the same time and then merge with each other and take up all the space that separates them.
Cold sores can create lesions of different sizes, ranging from 2-3 mm up to 7 mm
Step 5. Note that the blister contains virus particles
The swollen area takes on the appearance of a blister. When the body sets off to fight the HSV-1 virus, white blood cells concentrate in the infected area, filling the bubble with clear fluid that contains the virus.
Since cold sores are filled with infected fluid, you never have to scratch or tease them. If the virus reaches your hands, it can spread to other people close to you or even to your own eyes
Step 6. Wait for the bubble to break
This is the third and most painful stage in the development of herpes. The area becomes moist and the area around the blister becomes red. This is the time when the risk of contagion is greatest, as the liquid comes out of the bubble. Make sure you wash your hands regularly if you touch your face to avoid spreading the pathogen. It can take up to three days for the infection to move to the next stage.
Step 7. Don't pinch the scab when the blister dries
Once the bubble has burst, a crust forms on its surface, followed by another protective one. During the healing phase, this scab can break and bleed; also in this period you may feel itching and pain. Avoid touching the herpes area, as you can slow down the healing process by reopening the wound.
Step 8. Do not spread the infection as the blister heals
The virus is still contagious until the scab falls off spontaneously and reveals a layer of intact and healthy skin beneath it. In this final stage of healing, when the scab comes off, the underlying skin is dry and a little cracked; it may also be a little swollen and red. The entire process of the infection, from the first tingling and itching to the breakout of the scab, could take 8 to 12 days.
- Be careful not to share glasses or cutlery with anyone until the cold sore has completely healed. Do not kiss anyone and avoid in all ways that herpes comes into contact with others.
- Avoid touching your face with your hands as much as possible, as this could transfer infected fluids to the skin. Doing so could also spread the infection to other people or to other parts of the body.
Step 9. Distinguish cold sores from other similar ailments
Aphthae and stomatitis can be confused with this infection, but they are not caused by the herpes simplex virus.
- Sores form inside the mouth, often near the area where the cheeks and lips touch the gums. People wearing orthodontic braces can suffer as the metal rubs on the mucous membranes. Doctors believe there are several causes: injuries, some types of toothpaste, sensitivity to certain foods, stress, allergies, and inflammatory or immune disorders.
- Mucositis, also called stomatitis, is a term to describe sores that form in the mouth and esophagus during chemotherapy. This therapy kills cells that reproduce rapidly, but is unable to distinguish cancer cells from healthy oral cells which naturally have a rapid mitotic rhythm. The resulting open sores are very painful.
Part 2 of 3: Treating Cold Sores
Step 1. Be aware that there is no cure for this infection
Once it enters the body, the virus remains there forever, without exception. It can lie dormant without activating for years - most people have contracted the virus without even knowing it. Regardless, the virus continues to live in the body and recurs whenever conditions are favorable. If the infection causes you a cold sore rash, know that this phenomenon will continue to recur throughout your life.
However, don't panic. Symptoms of this infection are manageable and do not interfere with normal everyday activities
Step 2. Take over-the-counter medications
Docosanol has been approved in Europe by the Europan Medicines Agency (EMA) as a drug to treat cold sores. Among its active ingredients is benzyl alcohol and a light mineral oil, which are able to reduce the duration of the rash to a couple of days. For best results, apply it as soon as you start to feel tingling and itching that make you think a cold sore rash is about to occur. However, you can also put it on after the blister has already formed.
Step 3. Discuss other possible prescription medications with your doctor
Some people suffer from these rashes only rarely in life, while others are affected very often. If frequent attacks start to become a problem, you can take antiviral drugs to prevent them. Talk to your doctor about getting a prescription for some stronger prescription medications.
Step 4. Reduce the pain caused by cold sores
As previously described, the infection cannot be cured, but it can be treated to relieve pain caused by the bladder. You can take topical creams that contain some of these elements: benzyl alcohol, cincocaine, diclonine hydrochloride, juniper tar, lidocaine, menthol, phenol, tetracaine, and benzocaine.
You can also apply ice to the injury to help relieve pain and discomfort. Be sure to protect your skin and avoid putting it in direct contact with the ice by wrapping the ice in a towel or rag to act as a barrier
Step 5. Use coconut oil to speed up the healing process
This oil has powerful antiviral properties. Its main ingredients include lauric acid and capric acid. Some laboratory research has shown that these acids are effective against the HSV-1 virus.
- Start applying coconut oil as soon as you notice that cold sores are developing.
- Use a cotton swab and not your fingers to smear it on the blister, as you don't have to touch the herpes to not spread the virus.
Step 6. Apply lysine to reduce the rash
The herpes simplex virus needs the amino acid called "arginine" to multiply and lysine is an amino acid that counteracts its effects. You can find lysine in pharmacies both as a topical product (ointment) and as an oral supplement (tablets). Use it every day during the active phase of herpes.
- You can also make a topical solution based on this ingredient at home. Break a lysine tablet and make a paste by adding a small amount of coconut oil. Apply the mixture directly to the bubble.
- This way you can fight herpes with both tablets and a topical treatment.
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Cold Sores
Step 1. Learn how the virus spreads to avoid infection
Cold sores are very contagious and can be transmitted even when they are in the early stage, before the blister forms. The virus spreads among people through sharing cutlery, razors, towels, or through kissing. It can also be transmitted during oral sexual intercourse. HSV-1 can transfer to the genital area and HSV-2 to the labia.
Step 2. Avoid foods rich in arginine
As already mentioned, the virus uses this amino acid to grow and develop. When you take in a lot of arginine through food, the body becomes more vulnerable to virus attacks and as a result, cold sores breakouts are more frequent. Therefore you should avoid these foods that are rich in it:
- Chocolate;
- Nuts;
- Peanuts;
- Seeds;
- Cereals.
Step 3. Eat lots of lysine
Even if you don't have cold sores, lysine supplements are worth taking every day to avoid the risk of future attacks. 1-3 grams of lysine each day has been found to reduce the number and severity of herpetic outbreaks. You can also consider including foods that naturally contain a large amount of it in your diet:
- Fish;
- Chicken;
- Beef;
- Lamb;
- Milk;
- Cheese;
- Beans.
Step 4. Try not to expose yourself to the elements that can trigger cold sores
Although the virus works differently between people, there are a few factors that can cause outbreaks. By reducing these triggers (if you can), you may be able to decrease acute episodes:
- Viral fever
- Hormonal changes, such as during your period or pregnancy
- Alterations in the immune system, such as severe burns, chemotherapy, anti-rejection drugs after an organ transplant
- Stress;
- Fatigue;
- Exposure to the sun or wind.
Step 5. Improve overall health
The healthier your body is in general, the better able it is to suppress the virus, reducing the frequency of outbreaks.
- Follow a healthy diet with foods rich in lysine.
- Cut back on foods that contain a lot of arginine.
- Get at least 8 hours of sleep a night.
- Exercise every day to reduce your stress levels.
- Take supplements to decrease the chances of developing viral fever.
- Put a protective cream on your lips when you go out in the sun.
Advice
- Prevent cold sores by recognizing and avoiding the stressors that trigger attacks.
- Start treatment as soon as you experience the first symptoms. If you act early you can reduce the duration and severity of the blister.
Warnings
- Cold sores are very contagious from the time you feel tingling and itchy until the scab falls off. Do not share cutlery, towels, and do not kiss your partner or children until the bladder is gone.
- In most cases, cold sores go away on their own. However, you must contact your doctor in the following cases: if you have a compromised immune system due to disease or cancer treatment, if herpes makes it difficult for you to swallow or eat, if you have fever during an attack after the first one, if a new blister does not form. as soon as the previous one has healed.
