Month: August 2015

How long do cold sores last? Get insights on how the outbreak of this infection last on the mouth, lips and tongue. You will also learn more on how it is spread from infected person to others and how it is distinguished from pimples.

How Long Do Cold Sores Last

Cold sores are also known as fever blisters. They are caused by herpes simplex virus, its outbreak causes small, painful and fluid filled sores to erupt on the edges of mouth, lips, nostril, cheeks, and chin and sometimes around the genital areas. The sores ruptures to ooze, forms crusting and eventually they disappears without scarring.
There are two types of herpes simplex virus known as type 1 and 2. HSV-1 is most common and it causes formation of blisters around the various parts of the face. It is easily spread through body contact with active blisters or through kissing. The HSV-2 cause painful sore around the genitals.
When you get infected with the virus, they travel into your nerves and become dormant, they may reactivate any time and cause an outbreak. The cold sores normally lasts between 8 to 10 days without treatment while a severe outbreak may take up to 2 weeks to heal completely.
However, there are various remedies and treatment that can be used on how to get rid of a cold sore fast. For instance placing a cold ice over the sore or using anti-viral medicines may make the blisters to last between 5 to seven days. After the outbreak of this infection, each day comes with its adventure. You need to be ready and patience enough to undergo through the five stages of cold sore outbreak.
When you contract herpes simplex virus, they travel and hide into the nerves and it may not cause an outbreak immediately. Most people who get an outbreak in their adulthood may have contacted the virus during the childhood. There is possibility that the virus can also remain dormant forever in your life.

In some people, the virus may be active once a while or cause a recurrence several times once they are triggered. To make you understand better on what is a cold sore and how long it last, this article explores more on the various outbreak stages of this infection as follows:

• First stage: Tingling

Once the herpes simplex virus reactivates, you will start by experiencing tingling, itching and burning sensation on the lips, mouth nostril and other affected parts of your body. This are the initial signs that appears from day 1 to 2 of the outbreak. The affected areas may also become red and swollen. According to buzzle.

• Second stage: Eruption of blisters

Formation of blisters starts on day 2 to 4. The eruption of blisters may occur in a cluster of small blisters on the affected areas or one large blister that is filled with a clear fluid known as serum.

• Third stage: Weeping

This is also known as ulcer stage and it is the most painful. In this stage, the blisters ruptures to ooze a highly contagious pus due to production of white cell and antibodies that helps in fighting back this infection. This is the most contagious stage of herpes simplex virus. The sore turns to greyish after leaking.

• Fourth stage: Crusting

In this stage, the healing process starts by forming a scab. A yellow crusting starts to form over the sores on day 5 to 8. As the scab dries and shrinks, it develops cracks that may cause some bleeding, itching and a burning sensation on the affected areas. You need to be very careful during this stage, the sores can get a bacterial infection that may delay the healing process hence delaying duration on how long do cold sores last.

• Fifth stage: Healing

From day 8 to 10, the healing process of the cold sores start. The scab starts to shed off and a new and small scab forms on the spots. The sore finally heals without leaving scarring on the affected areas.

Are Cold Sores Contagious?

Cold sores are highly contagious infection that easily spreads from a person who has active infection to others. They are most contagious during the blistering stage especially when the sores ruptures to ooze a fluid that contain millions of herpes simplex virus. This does not mean that they are only contagious during blister stage.
Immediately you start showing the first symptoms such are tingling, itching and a burning sensation on the affected parts, you are capable of spreading the infection to others. Crusting of the sores does not mean that you are no longer contagious. The scab can crack and ooze a fluid that contain herpes simplex virus that is an answer to what causes fever blisters. According to every day health.
It is spread through the following means:

• Kissing – cold sores are commonly spread through direct body contact. When you are having cold sore outbreak, avoid kissing your beloved ones and friends especially on the lips. You can easily spread the infection. Though it is not common but this infection can also affect any other part of the body that comes in contact with the virus.
• Sharing of utensils and other objects – sharing of utensils such as glasses, straws and cups can easily carry the virus from infected person direct to the lips of the other person. Other objects such as razors and towels may also harbor the virus that causes cold sores
• Touch – when you touch the blisters, you may carry the virus to other people through handshakes. You can also spread the infection to other parts of your body such as the genitals. In case should you pop a blister or help in oozing, ensure that you wash your hands thoroughly using a running water and soap.

After contacting the virus, you may take 5 to 7 days before the outbreak. The duration on how long do cold sores last will depend on medication and other remedies that you may employ to alleviate the pain and the discomfort of the sores. Without treatment, the outbreak normally lasts between 8 to 10 days.

Cold Sore or Pimple

Both a cold sore and a pimple usually starts with a small bump or eruption on the edge of mouth, lips, chin or lips. It is difficult to differentiate between the two in their initial stages especially if it is your first experience of cold sores. In most cases cold sore or pimple on lip line usually brings a confusion.
A cold sore and a pimple have two different causes. Cold sore is caused by herpes simplex virus 1 that is spread from a person who has active outbreak to others through direct body contact, kissing, sharing of utensils, touching and through other sharp objects. While on the other hand pimples are caused by bacterial infection from clogging of pores by excessive production of sebum and dead skin cells. According to live strong.
The first outbreak of cold sores is accompanied with other symptoms that will help you to differentiate it from pimples. Such symptoms includes fever, muscles aches, sore throat, painful gums, blisters in the mouth and sometimes swollen lymph nodes. This symptoms are experienced on the first outbreak in most cases than when it recurs.
You may also differentiate cold sore and pimple by keenly observing the predictive signs of the subsequent outbreak of fever blisters. Such signs includes the numbness, inflammation, redness and hypersensitivity of the tissues on the exact areas where the cold sore will erupt. The duration on how long do cold sores last also differs from that one of a pimple.

Cold Sore on Lip

Cold sores are highly contagious. Cold sores on the lips are spread through kissing or sharing of utensils with a person who has active infection. After one week of infection, you may start to experience tingling, itching and a burning sensation on the lips.
A few days later, an eruption of small cluster of blisters or one and large fluid filled blister erupts on the lip line. There are various cold sore remedies that you can use to reduce the pain and the discomfort caused by the blisters on the lips. A cold ice is an effective remedy on how to get rid of fever blister on the lip fast. It helps in relieving the pain as well as fastening the healing process within 7 days.
Avoid picking on the sores, contaminated hands may cause a bacterial infection on the sores that may delay the healing process. You may also spread the infection to other parts of your body. Wash your hand well before and after touching the sores.

Cold Sore in Mouth

Cold sores in the mouth causes a lot of pain especially when eating, drinking or during brushing. Its outbreak causes swelling, redness and a burning sensation of the gums. Although there is no cure for cold sores, there is antiviral medicines that you can take to reduce the severity and recurrences of this infection.
You may be asking yourself, how long do cold sores last in the mouth? It takes 8 to10 days to heal on its own just like any other part of your body that may be affected. When the sores are treated they may last for 7 days only.

Cold Sore on Tongue

The herpes simplex lesions normally last a week to 10 day on the tongue. It causes eruption of fluid filled sores under the tongue and on the tip that weeps a fluid that contain viruses. The virus travels back to the nerves and deactivates. After a several month, they can be triggered by different factors to cause a recurrence of the outbreak.
Factors that triggers reactivation of herpes simplex virus includes weak immune system, stress, high sun intensity, extreme temperatures or fever, tiredness and fatigue, menstruation in women and allergic reactions. Visit your doctor for medication that helps to prevent the recurrences of cold sore outbreak. You may also employ prevention measures to avoid contacting this infection.
References:
Buzzle.
Every day health.
Live strong.

How can you heal cold sore outbreak quickly? This article contain insights on how to get rid of a cold sore fast using different treatments and home remedies. You will also learn how to stop its outbreak permanently.

How to Get Rid Of a Cold Sore Fast

Infection of herpes simplex virus can cause an outbreak of cold sores at any time. In most cases they usually form prior to important events in your life such as wedding, job interviews, trip to another county and other special events. This is due to anxiety and stress caused by such events that triggers the outbreak.
Cold sore outbreak usually take between 8 to 10 days to heal without treatment. Severe outbreak may take up to 2 weeks to heal fully. Various treatments can be used to alleviate the pain, ease symptoms and reduce the duration on how long do cold sores last. They include the following:

1. Antiviral cream and tablet treatment

There is no cure for cold sores, application of antiviral creams such as penciclovir, acyclovir and docosanol only helps to speed up the healing time of the outbreak. They also minimizes the symptoms when applied immediately on the onset of the first signs.
You are supposed to apply the treatment right away you start experiencing tingling and itching of the affected tissues. The antiviral creams are less effective when applied after the initial stage of the outbreak. Such creams are found from the pharmacy and are taken without prescriptions.
They do not treat herpes simplex virus, they only help to suppress the recurrence of cold sores. Apply the cream up to five times a day during the first four days of the outbreak. Penciclovir is the most effective in healing the recurrence of the cold sores as compared to other creams.
Antiviral tablets are only taken as prescribed by the doctor. Such tablets are given in cases of a severe outbreak. They are more effective in treating the cold sores than the creams. They also work effectively when taken in the initial stage of infection.

2. Apply drying agents

The use of alcohol is an effective method on how to get rid of a blister by drying them out. You simply use a cotton swab to apply it gently on the lesions. Ensure that you use a solution containing 70% alcohol. This treatment is effective when applied on the appearance of first sores. Other drying agents includes zinc oxide and calamine lotions. According to Wikihow.

3. Cover with petroleum jelly

Application of petroleum jelly on the blisters is the simplest treatment on how to get rid of a cold sore fast. It helps avoids excessive dehydration or cracking of the crusting sores. It also provides a protective layer around the sores that guards against other bacterial infections that may delay the healing duration of the cold sores. Use clean fingers to gently apply the jelly on the blistered areas.

4. Use of cold sore patches

Cold sore patches are placed over the sores to fasten the healing process. They contain hydrocolloid that is a special jelly that aids in the healing process. They are used in later stage of infection after eruption of blisters. They are effective on how to get rid of a cold sore on your lip and other external surfaces that are affected.

5. Apply a styptic pencil

It contain Alum that causes the blood vessels adjacent to the sores to lessen. This promotes the healing process of the lesions. This pencil is specifically for cold sores only. Use it to mark around the blisters gently. It may cause some irritations during the first application.

6. Over-the-counter medicines

Although non-antiviral over-the-counter medicines does not help to heal the cold sores, they can be taken to relieve the pain and discomfort caused by the outbreak of this infection. They are not specifically for this infection and they can be taken without prescription from the doctor.
Some of them are aspirin and ibuprofen. They are inform of tablets and in liquid form for young children. Kids under the age of 12 years are not supposed to be given aspirin as it may cause some complications.

Natural Remedies for Cold Sores

• Vanilla extract

Pure organic vanilla extract contain anti-bacterial properties that helps in healing the sores faster.  Its alcohol based components guards the infected areas against other bacterial infections. It also alleviates the tingling, itching and burning sensation of the outbreak. Instead of using alcohol to dry the blisters, you can alternatively use vanilla extract.
You simply place a couple of drops on a cotton swab and gently apply on the affected areas. Apply twice daily until the sores dries up.

• Sea salt

Sea salt is a good remedy on how to get rid of a cold sore fast. Gargling salt solution helps in treating blood blisters in mouth. It works by reducing the severity of the cold sores. Use your clean hands to gently press the salt crystals over the sore on the lips. Allow them to stay for 10 minutes before rinsing them away using warm water. Repeat this procedure thrice a day.

• Use tea tree oil

Tea tree oil has antibacterial, antifungal and antibiotic properties that give it power in healing different types of skin conditions. When applied during the initial stages of infection, it reduces the severity of the symptoms as well as relieving the itching and the burning sensation of the outbreak.

• Tea tree oil

Its antibacterial properties helps in guarding the sore against bacterial infections that may delay the healing process. Apply a few drops on a cotton ball and dab over the sores. Use diluted tea tree oil if your skin is sensitive or if it develops allergic reactions to allergens. Tea tree oil is toxic when ingested, take a lot of care when using to treat sores inside the mouth to avoid swallowing.

• Witch hazel

The use of witch hazel is among the effective home remedies for cold sores.  It has been used from the past as a medicine in treating different skin conditions. It aids in speeding up the healing process by drying up the blisters. Use a clean cotton ball to apply it directly on the affected areas. Avoid using this remedy if you have a sensitive skin or you may conduct a spot test before applying on a large area.

• Tea

Green, white or black tea contain tannin that has antiviral properties. It is effective on how to get rid of fever blister or cold sores by relieving the discomfort of the outbreak. After preparing a cup of tea, allow the tea bag to cool and place it over the cold sores. Hold it on the sore for five minutes several times a day. According to simple house hold tips.

• Cool milk

Milk has a cooling effects that is important in soothing the itching and burning sensation of the cold sores. It also contains proteins and amino acids that aids in the healing process of the sores. Use a cotton ball to apply cool refrigerated milk over the blisters twice a day.

• Licorice

Licorice is also an effective remedy on how to get rid of a cold sore fast. Its roots contain glycyrhizic acid that is an important element in treating the cold sore outbreak. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties that helps in reducing the inflammations as well as suppressing the multiplication of herpes simplex virus.
You simply grind dry licorice roots to obtain a powder, mix with few drops of water to make a paste and apply on the affected areas. Alternatively, you can mix the powder with petroleum jelly and apply directly on the sores.

• Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide works by disinfecting the sore. It helps to guard the affected areas from bacterial infection that may delay the healing process. Use a cotton ball to apply it gently on the sore.  Allow it to penetrate the sores before rinsing it away using a cold water.

How to Treat Cold Sores Fast

Although there is no cure for herpes simplex virus, there are various treatment that can be used to treat the sores fast. Leave the cold sore to heal on its own. Avoid picking at it or trying to drain it out as it may cause infection of the blister. Infected blisters takes longer time to heal and they may require medical treatments to heal. Wash your hand and the affected areas gently using antibacterial soap.
Conduct your doctor for treatment. In most cases the cold sores usually heals with little home remedies and treatment. There are some condition that requires medical treatment to treat the cold sores such conditions includes when pregnant, when the outbreak affects your eyes or causes irritation to the eyes, constant high fever and when the blisters fails to go away for more than 2 weeks.
Take prescribed medications. There are various antiviral tablets and creams that can be taken to reduce the healing duration. They are supposed to be taken as instructed by the doctor. Such medicine includes Famciclovir tablets, Penciclovir and acyclovir anti-viral creams.

How to Stop a Cold Sore Permanently

A part from the various remedies and treatment used on how to get rid of a cold sore fast, you can also employ some prevention measures to kiss goodbye to cold sores permanently. They include the following:

• Herpes simplex virus is highly contagious through direct body contact with blisters. Avoid close body contact with infected person either through kissing or sexual intercourse.
• Do not share the same utensils, towels, razors and other sharp objects with a person who has active cold sores. They may contain herpes simplex virus that causes the outbreak of cold sores.
• Live a healthy life that is free from stress. It is risk factor that triggers the activation of herpes simplex virus.
• After the first outbreak, consult your doctor for treatment to prevent recurrences of the cold sore. You may be given antiviral tablets that prevents the virus from reactivating. Take the medication as directed by your doctor.
• Try to avoid risk factors such as high sun intensity and temperatures by applying sunscreens and wearing protective clothing’s such as a hat and long sleeved dresses.

What is a cold sore? Explore more on the meaning, causes, healing stages and the various pictures and images showing the result of cold sore outbreak.

What is a Cold Sore

Cold sore are sometimes known as fever blisters. They are a group of small blisters or sores that erupts on the lips, chin, inside and outside the mouth, cheeks and nostril. The sores are characterized by pain, itching, burning sensation and swelling of the affected areas.
A few days after infection, the sores develops and became filled up with a clear fluid known as serum. The blisters may burst to ooze the fluids and start forming a scab. The duration on how long do cold sores last usually depends with the severity of the blister but in most cases it normally take 10 days or 2 weeks to heal completely.

Causes of Cold Sores – What Triggers In the Mouth, Lips, Tongue

Herpes simplex virus is what causes fever blisters or cold sores. There are two type of herpes simplex virus known as type 1 [HSV-1] and type 2 [HSV-2]. It is a highly contagious infection that is transmitted through body contacts, kissing, sharing of utensil, towels and razors and through sexual intercourse with an infected person.
The type 1 causes sore blisters inside the mouth, edges of lips, mouth and nostril, cheeks and chin. Other parts of the mouth such as the gums and palate may be affected but it is not common. You may mistake a canker sore with a cold sore. Canker sore are caused by ulcer micro-organism and forms a painful sore on the soft mouth lining where the cold sores doesn’t appear.
Herpes simplex type 2 normally causes genital herpes. It forms painful sore around the genital area or on the different parts of the genitals. You are likely to get infected by having sexual intercourse or oral sex with a man or a woman who has an outbreak of this infection.
Herpes simplex virus is highly contagious especially in children or babies. After infection the virus is transported to the nerves and becomes dormant. They may reactivate for several times in a year to cause recurring of an outbreak. Some people may suffer the outbreak up to three times a year, others once or the virus may remain dormant forever.
However, reactivation of this virus is triggered by certain factors resulting to the outbreak. Some of this factors are environmental while others varies from one person to other. They include the following according to abreva.

• Weak body immune system

 Weakened body immune system by diseases like HIV and Aids give herpes simplex virus a chance to reactivate and caused cold sore outbreak. You need to stay healthy by taking a diet and medicines that help to boost your body immune system.

• Strong sunlight

A part from skin damage by the ultraviolet rays from the sun, high sun intensity is among the major reason as to what is a cold sore trigger. Stay in the shade or apply sunscreen and other protection that guards your body from strong sun rays. Wear a hat or beach umbrella while going outdoors on a sunny day.

• Stress

Both emotional and physical stress weakens your immune system and hence giving herpes simplex virus an opportunity to reactive to cause a recurrence of an outbreak. You are supposed to give yourself enough time to relax. Have enough time to sleep and engage in sporting activities that will keep you happy all the time.

• Infections

In most cases the respiratory infections causes the outbreak of cold sores. Seek medical treatment to cure such infection. Wear warm clothing and avoid dusty environment that may cause such infections.

• Menstruation in women

During menstrual cycle, there is hormonal changes that occurs during that period that triggers reactivation of herpes simplex virus. The stress during the cycle also contributes to an outbreak.

• Tiredness and fatigue

Overworking yourself may cause tiredness and fatigue which lowers your body immune system. This creates a good chance for cold sore outbreak. Relax, take time to refresh your body by doing light exercise and having enough sleep.

• Fever or high body temperatures

Conditions such as fever, cold or flu raises your body temperatures above the normal limits. Take plenty of fluids which helps to lower your body temperatures. You may also have enough rest to avoid the outbreak of fever blisters.

• Dental surgery

Trauma caused by injury or surgery on the lips may also trigger the herpes simplex virus to reactivate to cause an outbreak on the tongue, lips, cheeks and some other parts of your face. The dentist is supposed to perform the surgery with a lot of care to minimize trauma.

What Causes Cold Sores? During Pregnancy

Having a first outbreak of cold sores during pregnancy is the worst experience. It causes severe blisters on the affected areas that may not seem to end. During pregnancy, your body encounters hormonal imbalances, stress, fatigue and weak immunity. This factors are the answer as to what is a cold sore causes during pregnancy.
The outbreak of this infection during pregnancy is risky to the life of the fetus you are carrying. An infection during pregnancy causes the virus to multiply easily and they may cause severe blistering in the affected areas. Also the may cause a recurrence before you deliver your baby. The pain and discomfort caused by the blisters causes a lot of stress that may have a negative impact to the fetus.
The outbreak of cold sores during pregnancy third trimester interferes the production of antibodies. The antibodies are very important during the labor as they are required to counter for infections. The herpes simplex virus usually take the advantage of pregnancy to multiply in large numbers to take control over other normal body functions.
There are various measures and remedies can be employed on how to get rid of a cold sore fast. They also help to prevent giving birth to herpes simplex infected baby. They includes:

• Take necessary precautions to avoid coming in contact with infected individuals. You and your partner should be tested for herpes simplex virus. If your partner test positive, avoid having sex until he recovers from the infection.
• Take oral antiviral medicines to reduce the pain, itching and burning sensation of the blisters. Such medicines are taken as prescribed
• Take Valtrex, though it belongs to class B drugs. It is a cold sore medicine that prevents herpes simplex virus from infecting the baby during delivery. It is a drug that is animal tested and it’s proven for human treatment. According to herpes hunter.

Cold Sore Stages – Of Healing

Previously you learnt about the meaning of what is a cold sore, but before the blisters forms there are different stages of outbreak that you will experience. After getting infected with herpes simplex virus, you may develop the symptoms after a few days. In some people, the virus may remain dormant and cause an outbreak later or the virus can remain inactive forever depending with their body immune system and other factors.
The outbreak of cold sores normally last between 8 to 10 days. Severe outbreak may take up to 2 weeks to heal. During this period, there are 5 stages of the outbreak that you will experience. Home remedies and other treatments such as Abreva cream can be used on how to get rid of fever blisters fast hence reducing the healing time. The five stages includes:

• Stage 1 : Tingling

This is the initial symptoms stage of cold sore outbreak that normally take 1 to 2 days. There is usually presence of tingling, itching and a burning sensation on the affected areas. Commonly experienced on the edges of mouth, lips and nostril. Other symptoms such as swelling, redness and soreness may also appear on the affected areas.
This first stage is also known as prodromal stage. This is the only stage you can use to control this infection. Though there is no cure of this infection for now, cold sore remedies can be used to control the pain and reduce the healing time. Other treatments such as antiviral medications, topical antiviral creams and over-the-counter medicines can be taken to minimize the severity of blisters. According to livestrong.

• Stage 2 : Blistering

From day 2 to 4 you will start to see eruption of blisters.  They form in small groups of painful sores that grows. As the body white blood cell tries to fight the infection, the blisters becomes filled up with a clear fluid that contain a lot of herpes simplex virus.

• Stage 3 : The ulcer stage

On the day 4 of blistering, comes a weeping stage. This is the most painful stage of the outbreak of cold sores. The blisters ruptures to ooze the fluid leaving shallow open ulcers or sores. From what is a cold sore, you learnt that this is a highly contagious stage.

• Stage 4 : Crusting

This is also known as scabbing stage. Ruptured sores starts to scab during day 5 to 8 of the outbreak. The crusting formed may shrink, crack and bleed. It may also be accompanied with some itching and burning sensation. Shedding may occur leaving a red sensitive mark.

• Stage 5 : Healing

This is a cold sore final stage. The affected areas starts to return to their normal state from day 8 to 10. This infection does not leave scaring after healing. The virus goes back to your nerves and become dormant. The virus may reactivate later to cause a recurrence of the outbreak. Reactivation may be triggered by factors such as stress and weakened immune system among others.

Cold Sores Pictures and Images

There are various pictures and images showing the various results of cold sore or fever blisters. From the pictures, we can see that the most affected areas includes, edge of mouth, lips, cheeks, chin and also on the genital areas. The affected areas becomes swollen, tender and red.
Though there is no treatment, there are remedies and treatments you can use on how to get rid of a blister without popping it out. You should leave a blister to heal on its own. Draining or touching the sores can spread the infection to other parts of your body and to other people who comes in contact with the blisters.