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Cold Sores – The Prognosis and Prevention

A cold sore, caused by a herpes virus, is easily identified by the appearance of small blisters that are either reddish or purple. They usually form on the outer edge of the lips - on just one side. Cold sores can appear either one at a time or in little bunches. More often than not, the blisters are filled with fluid. These blisters usually crust over and form a scab before ceasing to appear completely, lasting mostly for a period of a week or 2. Although they usually don't require any special treatment, special care should be given at all time to prevent cold sores from occurring.

Even though they are called ‘cold’ sores, it is not necessary to have a cold to get one. Some people call them by other names such as fever blisters, but you don't have to have a fever to have one either. Keep in mind that cold sores are not the same as canker sores. The latter consists of small white sores that are always found inside the mouth instead of the outer side.

Oral herpes (cold sores) can be very painful and doubly embarrassing because of how it will cause you to look like. However, it is not and should not be considered a serious infection. While there is no known cure for cold sores up until present time, cold sore outbreaks generally occur less frequently after reaching the ripe age of 35. If spread to the eyes, though, it will get extremely serious and dangerous for general health.

The only way to prevent getting cold sores is probably to avoid any contact at all with infected individuals. However, this is not an easy solution because many people are not aware that they are infected and that in turn, they can easily infect other people. Worse still, there currently are no herpes vaccines available. The vaccines are being tested, and hoped to be made available soon.

To reduce the occurrence of cold sores as well as the spread of the virus to other body parts or to other people, several practices can be carried out. These include:

• Avoid direct exposure of the sun to the face. Apply a considerable amount of sunscreen to the face and especially to the lips before getting prolonged exposure to the sun.
• Do not touch cold sores. Actions such as squeezing, picking, or pinching the blisters will cause the virus to spread and it can effect your face and lips as well as many other regions of your body as well. Your face would become worse, not to mention very embarrassing. It could damage your self esteem.
• Hands should be washed as frequently as possible. Cold sore sufferers should wash their hands thoroughly before touching others. This is because an infected person has the ability to spread the virus to other people even when he or she has no obvious blisters. Think of yourself as a ‘carrier’ if you know you are infected.