Cold sores are a nuisance. To make matters worse, they are difficult to hide. Though generally harmless, they can instill panic in victims because they look worse than they actually are. They tend to appear at the most inopportune times -- when you have to go to work or have an important appointment. What spawns a cold sore stems from different sources, and there a variety of treatments available.
Herpes
Cold sores mainly originate from the herpes virus. There are eight known herpes viruses and the two that are mostly responsible for cold sores are herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). HSV-1 causes the majority of cold sores, while HSV-2 results in genital herpes and, occasionally, cold sores. These viruses remain in the body and are triggered when certain conditions arise.
Conditions
There are several conditions that can activate HSV-1 and HSV-2 and cause a cold sore: exposure to the sun, low immune system, stress, hormonal changes such as menstruation and menopause, colds and the flu, trauma to the skin, physical illness and dental surgery such as tooth extraction.
Self-care
Because the herpes simplex virus is highly contagious, people infected with a cold sore should wash their hands regularly. Refrain from touching the face, but if you must, clean your hands each time you do so. Covering the affected area with makeup should be avoided as this aggravates the lesion. Using a lip balm like Carmex can soothe the discomfort associated with a cold sore.
Over-the-counter Drugs
Over-the-counter (topical) medications such as Lipactin gel and Zilactin generally provides the affected person with symptomatic relief, easing the pain caused by the cold sore. Topical medications containing benzocaine, tetracaine, dibucaine and lidocaine are most effective in alleviating itching, burning and pain. Skin protectors, such as petroleum jelly, help to prevent the lesion from cracking.
Prescription Medications
Prescription-strength topical medications like Denavir cream can decrease the healing time by a day and a half and reduce the lesion pain. Prescription pills such as Zovirax and Valtrex are FDA-approved medications designed to treat the herpes simplex virus and must be prescribed by a physician. Using oral prescription medications before physical symptoms occur (the burning tingling sensation before the outbreak) also helps to reduce the healing time. Physicians and patients should consider any possible side effects prior to prescription or use.
Prevention
Once infected with the herpes simplex virus type 1 or 2, recurring cold sores are possible because the virus never leaves the body. Lowering your stress level is the most common recommendation for reducing the risk of a recurrence.
Tags: cold sore, herpes simplex, herpes simplex virus, simplex virus, simplex virus type