What are cold sores?
Cold sores are a very common illness caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).
Cold sores are usually confined to the mouth area (particularly on and around the lip). Less commonly, cold sores can occur on other facial areas such as above the mouth, the nose, nostrils, cheek or chin.
Cold sores can also appear on the fingers, this is referred to as Herpes Whitlow.
Cold sores do not usually occur inside the mouth, however if they do, it is most likely on the gums or hard palette (roof of the mouth). If the lesion appears inside the mouth, especially on the soft tissue, it is most likely to be a canker sore, not a cold sore.
When cold sores reoccur they will typically appear in the same location that they did during previous outbreaks.
Herpes cold sores contraction
Cold sores are usually confined to the mouth area (particularly on and around the lip). Less commonly, cold sores can occur on other facial areas such as above the mouth, the nose, nostrils, cheek or chin.
Cold sores can also appear on the fingers, this is referred to as Herpes Whitlow.
Cold sores do not usually occur inside the mouth, however if they do, it is most likely on the gums or hard palette (roof of the mouth). If the lesion appears inside the mouth, especially on the soft tissue, it is most likely to be a canker sore, not a cold sore.
When cold sores reoccur they will typically appear in the same location that they did during previous outbreaks.
It is also possible to transmit virus particles to another person through intermediate objects such as a drinking glass, eating utensil, lip stick, lip gloss, toothbrush, or even a face cloth.
If a person has an active cold sore on their lip the herpes virus particles can be transferred to any part of the body that is kissed, including the mouth, face or the genitals. Keeping this in mind, it is very important to avoid kissing and oral sex during an active bout of cold sores.
Syptoms of cold sores
The primary infection can progress in different ways. Some people only have very mild symptoms or none at all. The first outbreak starts one to three weeks after the virus has been contracted. It subsides spontaneously within a few weeks. Later, if HSV is reactivated, the blisters will return.
The first symptom of herpes outbreak is an unpleasant tingling feeling in the skin. After a short while, a number of fluid-filled blisters appear.
The sores become covered by scabs that, typically, fall off after 8 to 10 days. The virus can spread until the sores are completely covered by scabs.
Around 20 per cent of the people with HSV antibodies have recurrent attacks of cold sores throughout their lives.
In children, the virus can infect the mouth and throat. The infection may be accompanied by a fever and general aches and pains.