A cold sore, also known as a fever blister, is a lesion that is filled with fluid. It is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1, and is actually an infection. Cold sores usually start with a tingling sensation on the lip. Within a day or two, an unsightly red blister appears. Cold sores are different from canker sores, although many people confuse the two. According to the Mayo Clinic, there is no real cure for cold sores. However, you can reduce their frequency and duration. One such way is with hydrogen peroxide.

Symptoms

Cold sores are small, painful blisters around the outside of the mouth, nose and sometimes the chin. Sometimes they appear on the gums or roof of the mouth. They are red, raised and often tingle a day or two before the actual blister erupts. They often last for a week or two when left untreated. Once the blisters break, they ooze and scab over with a yellowish crust. Blisters located on the inside of the cheeks or under the tongue are not cold sores. They are canker sores.

Causes

Herpes simplex 1 causes cold sores. On the other hand, herpes simplex 2 causes genital herpes. Either of these viruses can cause cold sores on the mouth. A person contracts herpes simplex 1 from another person who has an active lesion. Sharing dishes and flatware, razors, towels and kissing spread the disease. Also, oral-genital relations may result in an outbreak of herpes simplex 1.

Once you are infected with the virus, it lies dormant in the nerve cells of the skin. The virus may become active in the part of the body where it was first contracted. Stress, monthly menstrual cycles, sun exposure or a fever can trigger a herpes outbreak. Herpes simplex virus 1 is contagious, while canker sores are not. The virus is passed by skin-to-skin contact and by sharing objects with infected partners and friends. The peak time of infection is from the time the blister appears to the time it has completely dried and scabbed over.

Complications

Babies, anyone with eczema and anyone who has a compromised immune system due to cancer, AIDS or an organ transplant should not come in close contact with anyone who is having a herpes outbreak. These people are at a much greater risk of serious infection if they contract the herpes virus. If herpes simplex viruses get into the eyes, it can cause blindness.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide works by increasing the amount of oxygen available to the area. Some people suggest using hydrogen peroxide to clean the area regularly. Simply use a cotton ball, cotton swab or facial tissue to dab hydrogen peroxide to the infected area several times a day.

Other sufferers suggest purchasing a box of lancets, wiping the area with alcohol, piercing the blister with the lancet, squeezing the fluid out onto a sterile gauze pad, putting ice on the infected area for 15 minutes and then soaking the cold sore in hydrogen peroxide until the bubbles stop forming. As the blister reforms, repeat the process. Lancets are very sharp. Please use extreme caution if you attempt to use one.

Pain Relief and Healing

Topical lidocaine or benzocaine ointments may ease the pain somewhat. Other oral pain relievers may help. Do not use aspirin with children or teens, due to the risk of Reye's syndrome. Try alternating cold and hot compresses to the blisters to ease the pain. Do not squeeze, pick at or pinch cold sores. See a qualified health care professional if you experience herpes outbreaks more than two or three times a year.

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