Noticeable Characteristics Of Cold Sores
Cold sores can be very uncomfortable blisters that are found in the outer oral region of an individual. The characteristics of cold sores are that they are typically small in size, reddish in color and appear swollen and feel sore. In many cases, the blisters can break open and a clear fluid can ooze out of it. Other characteristics of cold sores are that they scab easily after they break and can heal in as little as four days or as long as two weeks.
Knowing the characteristics of cold sores can help any individual assess his condition and can help him decide to see the doctor. These are highly contagious through contact with fluids from an infected person so care must be taken when caring for one. As soon as the characteristics of cold sores manifest themselves in a person, it is advisable to bring him of her to a doctor for the right medication and treatment of the condition.
Treating Cold Sores
Cold sores can be treated by topical applications of creams and ointments. There are also some traditional medicines available to treat cold sores. It is best to consult a doctor before self medicating when you notice characteristics of cold sores appearing in you or someone close to you. Actually, cold sores will heal in about a week or two after the characteristics of cold sores appear or manifest themselves. Some people do not like to have so many tiny red blisters in their lips so they require fasting healing time with the aid of the ointments and skin creams.
What Causes Cold Sores
Colds sores are caused by exposure to the exposure to the herpes simplex virus. This virus has two types, HSV 1 and HSV 2 and both of these can cause lip blisters and also genital herpes. Exposure to people manifesting characteristics of cold sores can be through contact with an infected person's saliva, the fluid oozing from a cold sore and the cold sore itself. Even using an infected person's shaver, razor, eating utensils and other personal belongings can spread the virus.
When you see someone with the characteristics of cold sores, try to avoid body contact with them and contact with their personal belongings to avoid contracting cold sores. Even if the condition heals itself in less than three weeks after manifestation of characteristics of cold sores, the fact that it can give you a dreaded disease should make you extra careful when dealing with people who have it.
