Your lips feel swollen and tingly. But it has nothing to do with a romantic kiss you just shared (dang it!), instead you know it’s a sign. Red blisters are about to appear on your lip.
Cold sores (or fever blisters) are caused by the type 1 herpes simplex virus and they’re highly contagious. They appear as small, red, and painful blisters on the outside of your lips, but they can also show up on your nose and chin.
You can expose yourself to the virus by coming in contact with someone who has an active cold sore. Kissing, sharing utensils, razors or towels can all spread the virus. It can take up to 20 days from exposure to the herpes virus for the first cold sore to appear. Even after the cold sore heals, you have not gotten rid of the offending virus it waits, just under the surface, for another chance to show its ugly head. Fever, hormone fluctuations, stress and sunlight can trigger future breakouts.
Breakouts are most common in teenagers and young adults, your number of episodes will most likely decrease after the age of 35.
Cold sores usually take about 10 days to heal and generally do so on their own. You only need to see your doctor if you have frequent breakouts, sores that don’t heal after 2 weeks, you are experiencing eye irritation at the same time, or you have another illness that depresses your immune system. He may prescribe an antiviral medication such as penciclivor to help the area heal.
Sadly, there is no cure or sure way to prevent cold sores from happening. The best things you can do are try to prevent their spread. If you have an open sore, avoid contact with infants, those with open skin irritations, or people whose immune system is compromised. Be careful about touching other parts of your own lips and body, especially the eyes. The herpes virus spreads best in moist environments and when it is actively oozing as well.
Don’t share personal items.
Wash your hands frequently.
Avoid stress triggers and use sunblock to lessen chances of irritation.
Over the counter creams and treatments, vitamin E and aloe vera can provide comfort and pain relief but they do not speed healing.
Ice or warm compresses can also help ease discomfort.
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