DO YOU SUFFER WITH COLD SORES ??
A cold sore is a small, painful, raised area of
small, fluid-filled blisters. They appear where the
lip joins the surrounding skin( but can appear in
other places too eg the nose)Blisters are painful
and leave a yellow crust
Cold sores tend to last 5 to 7 days and can keep
coming back. Most people only have them once
or twice
How do I get cold sores?
Cold sores are caused by a virus (a Herpes
Simplex' virus).
About a third of people who get this 'primary'
infection go on to develop cold sores in later life.
However, many people with cold sores did not
get this primary infection.
What brings on the cold sores?
Cold sores usually appear when people are 'run
down', or ill with something else: for example,
with a cold or flu. Sunlight and ultraviolet light
can often bring on an attack of cold sores.
Occasionally women find that they develop cold
sores at particular stages of their menstrual
cycle.
Are they infectious?
Yes. Cold sores are infectious and the virus can
be passed to other people by close contact
(such as kissing). A cold sore is most infectious
when it is blistering. It is important to try to avoid
touching cold sores, because you can pass the
virus on to other people's hands and even, very
rarely, to your own eyes. Avoid squeezing,
pinching or pricking the cold sore as this can
spread the infection.
Can they be treated?
Yes. Antiviral creams, such as aciclovir and
penciclovir, ease the pain and blistering and
help the sores heal more quickly. You can buy
aciclovir from a pharmacist, but penciclovir may
have to be prescribed by your doctor. You need
to use these creams as early as possible when
the cold sore starts to develop, and you should
apply your cream regularly.
How can I avoid getting one?
Once you have had the virus it stays with you
and there is little you can do to avoid an attack.
How often the cold sores appear varies from
person to person. Always use SPF on your lips
If I have a cold sore should I see my doctor?
Cold sores generally clear up without treatment
in about a week. However, if you have a health
condition that has weakened your immune
system, or if the sores don't heal within two
weeks on their own, see your doctor.
I have a cold sore but am due to see my dentist.
Will they still be able to treat me?
If you have a cold sore and are due to visit your
dental team, check with them first. Some
dentists prefer not to treat patients with active
cold sores as the affected area may be painful,
and may crack and bleed during dental
treatment.
What if I'm breast-feeding?
Don't stop breast-feeding. However, don't kiss
your baby, especially near the mouth or eyes,
while you have an active sore as this may pass
the infection on to your baby
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