Cold sore

Cold Sore Symptoms

I don’t really have much experience and knowledge about cold sore as I never had it before because it is occur more in women than men. According to Alison Blenkinsopp, the Symptoms in the Pharmacy, cold sore is caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of HSV; HSV1 which affecting mouth area and HSV2 affecting genital area.

Aciclovir is used to treat cold sore and should be initiated early in the course of infection and the cold sore is believe to resolve within 1-2 weeks. Cold sore is a bit irritating and tingling.

However, don’t mistaken cold sore with cancerous lesion as they may look similar in appearance. I distinguish them by how long the symptom lasted. This is because cancerous lesion last longer than cold sore. Another way to differentiate them is by how painful is the symptom. If you feel very painful, then it probably is the cold sore as cancerous lesion is painless.

Since I don’t have much experience in this, I can’t mention sufficient information about cold sore. Anyway, cold sores normally occur on the lips or face. But please be alerted that if the lesions occur inside your mouth or affect your eyes, please go see doctor immediately.

When you have cold sore, I would advise you not to go out during windy time or when the sunlight is very strong. This is because the wind and the sunlight can cause your cold sore even worse. For women, menstruation is also one of the precipitating factors. Also, if you are very stress while having cold sore, this may make the symptom even worse.

Cold Sore Treatment

Aciclovir cream 5% is an antiviral that is used to decrease the pain felt and also to make healing faster. It should be used before lesions appear and best started as soon as possible when symptoms are felt like tingling or itching. Aciclovir is applied 5 times a day for up to 5 days. If you still experiencing cold sore after this period, you need to go to see doctor. However, do keep in mind that Aciclovir may cause stinging sensation and the affected skin may become dry and flaky.

Antiseptics are also used in treatment of cold sore. It is used to prevent secondary bacterial infection, and not to reduce the time of healing. E.g. Povidone-iodine 10% in an alcoholic solution has an antiviral action and the cold sore will be dried by the alcoholic base. Other than Povidone-iodine 10%, benzalkonium chloride or cetrimide can also be used in this treatment and care should be exercise not to contact with the eyes. Please be aware that if you are pregnant, you mustn’t use Povidone-iodine. This includes anyone with history of iodine sensitivity.

Cold Sore Management

The HSV1 is contagious and can easily transmit to others by direct contact. Therefore, it is important to wash your hands after applying the treatment to the cold sore. You are not advised to share cup, towels, toothbrushes or face flannels until the cold sore has healed completely. If you are having cold sore, try not to have oral sex with someone as there is a risk of genital herpes type-2 to develop and vice versa.

The use of sunscreen cream can be useful if you are having a high exposure to the sunlight especially during summer season or on holiday to countries with hot climate.

Stress in life should be solved by discussing with your doctor or someone who may be of help.

For more information about cold sore, visit the cold-sore-skin-treatment.com.