Cold Sore
Do you know the causes of cold sores? Tips to prevent and treat a fever blister.
Symptoms and Causes
A cold sore is an infection caused by a virus that appears as small blisters grouped on a small surface of the lip. When the vesicles break, an irregular scab forms that remains for several weeks until it completely falls off, leaving little to no mark.
This disease is usually caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which spreads mainly through oral contact and causes infections both in and around the mouth as well as in the genital area. In rare cases, it is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), which is more commonly linked to sexual contact.
Cold sores are transmitted through direct contact between individuals, usually when kissing. This infection is typically contracted in childhood and manifests chronically throughout life, as there is no cure. However, it is possible to control the severity of outbreaks and reduce their frequency through certain treatments.
Symptoms
The symptoms of cold sores vary depending on whether it's the first time the infection occurs or if it’s a subsequent outbreak. The signs of infection differ according to the stage it’s in:
- Tingling in a specific area of the lip before the disease becomes visible.
- Small, painful blisters one day after the itching starts. They usually appear on the edge of the lips.
- When the lesions break open, releasing fluid, scabs form that last for several weeks.
The initial infection may be accompanied by fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a sore throat or sore gums. In later outbreaks, which usually occur in the same area of the lip, symptoms are milder, typically limited to slight itching and the appearance of the cold sore.
Causes
Cold sores are caused by a viral infection, contracted when the lips come into contact with another person who has the disease. Kissing is the most common mode of transmission, although it can also occur during oral sex. Sharing utensils, towels, or razors may also facilitate transmission, though to a lesser extent.
After the first infection, subsequent outbreaks may occur under various circumstances, such as:
- Other infections
- Fever
- Hormonal changes
- Stress
- Fatigue
Risk Factors
The infection is easily spread, so most people carry the virus, even if they have never shown symptoms. In some cases, there is a greater predisposition to develop the disease or to experience more severe effects:
- Weakened immune system
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- Chemotherapy treatments
Complications
Although cold sores are generally a mild condition, they can cause complications in individuals who have the aforementioned risk factors. In these cases, the infection may lead to:
- Herpetic whitlow, which affects the fingers and is common among young children who still suck their thumb.
- Eye lesions that may lead to vision problems or even total loss of vision.
- Patients with atopic dermatitis may develop the characteristic blisters of cold sores on different areas of the body.
Prevention
Although outbreaks can occur while the virus remains dormant, the best way to prevent transmission is to take precautions while visible lesions are present on the lips. Some of the precautions to consider include:
- Avoid kissing and skin-to-skin contact, as the secretions from the blisters can remain on areas away from the lips.
- Do not share items that come into contact with the mouth, such as utensils or lip balm.
- Wash hands frequently when lesions are present, especially before coming into contact with others.
When multiple outbreaks occur throughout the year, a doctor may prescribe antiviral medications to prevent complications.
Which doctor treats cold sores?
Cold sores are treated by dermatologists and, in some cases, by primary care physicians, especially if complications arise or if outbreaks are frequent.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing cold sores is simple when the lesions are visible. A physical and visual examination is enough to recognize the type of blisters caused by this infection. When it's necessary to identify the specific virus causing the infection, samples are taken for laboratory analysis.
Treatment
It is not strictly necessary to undergo treatment for cold sores, as symptoms usually disappear on their own within two to four weeks. To minimize discomfort or speed up the healing process, antiviral medications may be administered, which are more effective when taken orally. Cold sore creams help reduce discomfort, but they take longer to work since they can easily be wiped off. To prevent this, small patches can be placed after applying the cream to the cold sore.
