Caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV 1). Most people with HSV 1 do not know they are infected but it is estimated that up to 80% of New Zealanders carry the virus[1]. It is different from genital herpes which is caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV 2).
Signs and Symptoms
Cold sore is a small blister usually appearing on the outer edge of the lip. It can develop into a cluster of blisters. Cold sores are quite often painful making it difficult to eat or talk.
The development of cold sores comes in various stages:
- Tingle stage – a tingling, itching or burning sensation on the site where the cold sore is going to appear.
- Blister stage – over the next 24 hours, a red patch appears which then turns into a blister.
- Weeping stage – the blisters bursts to form painful weeping sores.
- Scab stage – natural healing occurs. The sores dry up and form a yellow crust which falls off after a few days without leaving a scar.
Occasionally, cold sores can appear on the nostrils and chins. Touching the cold sore and touching other places such as the eyes can cause the virus to spread to those areas.
Is Cold Sore Contagious?
Yes it is. A cold sore is contagious from the initial tingling stage right through to the eventual healing phase. The majority of HSV 1 carriers would have caught the virus between the age of three and five[2]. It is spread to other people through kissing, sharing food and drinks and close personally contact during a cold sore outbreak. However, most of the initial infections are silent. Only approximately one in three cases will develop the cold sores symptoms from the initial infection[2]. Once infected, the HSV 1 lies dormant in the nerves close to the inner ears for the rest of the person’s life. There is no treatment to complete eradicate the virus from our body. Certain trigger factors can activate the HSV 1 virus to cause an outbreak of cold sores.
Trigger Factors
- Ultraviolet rays from the sun or sun bed.
- Some women find that they get cold sores just before or during menstruation.
- Physical or emotional stress.
- Being tired and run down.
- Illness such as colds or flu.
- When our immune system is lowered.
- Extreme weather conditions.
Treatment
Once infected, there is no treatment to totally eradicate the HSV 1 virus from our body. The usual duration of an uncomplicated cold sore outbreak if left untreated is about ten days to fourteen days. There are however, highly effective treatments available to prevent the outbreak and reduce the severity of cold sores. The timing of treatment is very important, with the initial tingling stage being the best and most effective time to apply treatment. Treatment options include:
- Zovirax Cream – if applied during the initial tingling stage can usually prevent the cold sore outbreak. It may also reduce the severity of the outbreak if applied during the blister and weeping stage. Do not reuse the same finger to get more cream out of the container to prevent contamination.
- Virasolve – Not as effective to prevent the outbreak of cold sore. May reduce the severity of the outbreak when applied during the blister and weeping stage.
- Betadine Cold Sore Ointment – Does not prevent the outbreak of cold sore. May reduce the severity of the outbreak when applied during the blister and weeping stage. Also helps to prevent the sores from developing into a bacteria infection.
- Medijel – Possesses local anaesthetic and antiseptic properties. Useful to in the event of a painful cold sore.
- Solgar L-Lysine 1000mg Tablets – An amino acid that has been used with success to keep the HSV 1 virus under control. Useful in the prevention of a cold sore outbreak and also to reduce the severity of a cold sore outbreak.
- Thompsons Immunofort Tablets – A good powerful multivitamins and minerals to help boost immune system and energy level. Great for time of illness and stress.
- Sunsense Lip Balm – Offers great protection against Ultraviolet rays.
Consult your family doctor if the cold sores has spread to the eyes (red, watery, sensitive to light and painful) or other part of the body or has not healed within three weeks.
Prevention Tips
- Recognise the trigger factors and avoid them.
- Avoid skin contacts e.g. kissing or oral sex during a cold sore outbreak or touching and picking the cold sore.
- Avoid sharing foods and drinks.
- Avoid sharing eating utensils.
- Avoid sharing face cloths.
- Avoid sharing lipsticks or lip balms.
- Wash hands thoroughly after touching the cold sore especially if you wear contact lenses or when applying make ups.
Disclaimer: This information is intended for New Zealand residents and is of a general nature only. No person should act in reliance on any statement contained in the information provided and at all times should obtain specific advice from a health professional. To the extent permitted by law, ibuy pharmacy Limited, their employees and agents accept no liability (even if negligent) for any injury, loss or damage caused by reliance on any part of this information. All rights reserved. In particular no alterations, additions or adaptation of this publication are permitted without written consent of ibuy pharmacy Limited.
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[1] New Zealand Herpes Foundation. www.herpes.org.nz
[2] New Zealand Herpes Foundation, Facial Herpes Pamphlet 2002 edition