Cold Soars
Definition:
a group of fluid-filled blisters appearing about or within the mouth that are caused by a herpes simplex virus and upon rupturing form crusts called also fever blister
Signs & Symptoms:
Signs and symptoms vary, depending on whether this is your first outbreak or a recurrence. They can last several days, and the blisters can take two to four weeks to heal completely. Recurrences typically appear at the same spot each time and tend to be less severe than the first outbreak.
During first-time outbreaks, some people also experience:
Fever
Painful eroded gums
Sore throat
Headache
Muscle aches
Swollen lymph nodes
Children under 5 years old may have cold sores inside their mouths and the lesions are commonly mistaken for canker sores. Canker sores involve only the mucous membrane and aren’t caused by the herpes simplex virus.
Cause:
Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex viruses; the most common cause of sores around the mouth is herpes simplex type 1, or HSV-1. Much less commonly, cold sores may be caused by HSV-2 (herpes simplex type 2), which may result from having oral sex with a person who has genital herpes.
Cold sores are different from canker sores. However, people sometimes mistakenly associate one with the other. A canker sore is a small ulcer crater in the lining of the mouth – it is frequently painful. Canker sores are also known as aphthous ulcers. Canker sores occur in the soft tissue of the mouth, where cold sores do not appear.
Cold sores are quite common. There is no cure or prevention for infected people, but steps can be taken to reduce their frequency and duration.
How To Cure:
- Lemon Balm
Lemon balm, a member of the mint family, may help reduce the healing time of a blister and prevent future outbreaks. Most research suggests using a lip balm with at least 1 percent lemon balm. As an alternative, a compress made of a lemon balm infusion (tea) may provide similar benefits.
- Lysine
Lysine is an amino acid. You can find it available as a supplement or in cream form. Studies show that taking lysine supplements can help prevent breakouts and prevent future flare-ups. Experts also say that taking lysine supplements regularly can reduce the intensity of flare-ups.
- Stress Reduction
Because stress can cause the herpes virus to come out of dormancy, reducing the amount of stress in your life is one way to prevent cold sores. Meditation, regular exercise, and avoiding the causes of stress in your life may help.
