Cold Sore
Overview of Cold Sore
A cold sore is a lesion that forms on the skin surface usually around the mouth. It is also called a fever blister. They are tiny and fluid-filled. Usually, they develop on the lips and occur in groups or patches.
Cold sores are contagious and can spread through kissing or touching the infected area. They can also be spread by oral sex.
Prevalence of Cold Sore
More than 50 percent of people suffer from a cold sore. It is a very common viral infection all over the world. Prevalence in Pakistan is very low.
Signs and Symptoms of Cold Sore
Signs and symptoms include:
- Fluid-filled blisters
- Tingling and itching around the lips
- Oozing of the blisters followed by crust formation
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Painful gums
- Headache
Types of Cold Sore
Causes of Cold Sore
They are caused by the Herpes simplex virus:
- HSV-1
- HSV-2
HSV-1 is commonly responsible for cold sores but HSV-2 can also cause cold sores.
This infection can be triggered by:
- Stress
- Fever
- Infection
- Fatigue
- Skin injury
- Weakened immune system
Possible risk factors include:
- Eczema
- AIDS
- Chemotherapy
- Anti-rejection drugs
Risk Factors of Cold Sore
The occurrence of a cold sore is heightened in the presence of the following risk factors:
- Long term exposures to the sunlight
- Infections
- Fevers
- Dental implants or surgery
- Menstruation
- Excessive exercise
- Medications
- Previous medical history
- Emotional stress
- Physical injury
Complications of Cold Sore
Following are the health complications associated with cold sores:
-
Skin Infections
When the virus comes into contact with broken or injured skin it can result in infections.
-
Whitlow Finger
This condition leads to the development of sores on the fingers.
-
Herpetic Keratoconjunctivitis
This leads to swelling and irritation in the eyelids.
The occurrence of a cold sore is heightened in the presence of the following risk factors:
- Long term exposures to the sunlight
- Infections
- Fevers
- Dental implants or surgery
- Menstruation
- Excessive exercise
- Medications
- Previous medical history
- Emotional stress
- Physical injury
Complications of Cold Sore
Following are the health complications associated with cold sores:
-
Skin Infections
When the virus comes into contact with broken or injured skin it can result in infections.
-
Whitlow Finger
This condition leads to the development of sores on the fingers.
-
Herpetic Keratoconjunctivitis
This leads to swelling and irritation in the eyelids.
Prevention
A cold sore is a disease that can be prevented with the help of the following strategies:
- Pay close attention to your personal hygiene
- Avoid being in contact with an infected person’s body fluids
- Make sure to use sunscreen and lip balm
- Make sure to wash your hands frequently
- Avoid those things that trigger cold sores
- Do not share your utensils with another person who may have cold sores
Diagnosis
A diagnosis can be given simply by looking at the blisters. In some cases, a blister sample might be taken for further testing.
Treatment of Cold Sore | When to Consult a Doctor
Cold sores usually go away on their own in 2 to 4 weeks. Antiviral medications may be given. Topical medications are applied directly on the blisters. For severe cases, antiviral drug injections might be given.
If the cold sore persists or bleeds, immediately consult a dermatologist. Do not take any form of medication without consulting a doctor.
Doctors to treat Cold Sore in Pakistan
- Doctors to treat Cold Sore in Lahore
- Doctors to treat Cold Sore in Kasur
- Doctors to treat Cold Sore in Karachi
- Doctors to treat Cold Sore in Islamabad
- Doctors to treat Cold Sore in Multan
- Doctors to treat Cold Sore in Rawalpindi
- Doctors to treat Cold Sore in Peshawar
- Doctors to treat Cold Sore in Faisalabad
- Doctors to treat Cold Sore in Bahawalpur
- Doctors to treat Cold Sore in Abbottabad