What Are Cold Sores And Why Do we Get Them
Do you have a painful and ugly lesion in your mouth or somewhere near the lips? Chances are you've got a cold sore. What are cold sores you may ask? Well cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus which is already in your body. It stays dormant for years and years until something activates it.
What Are Cold Sores Caused By?
There are a number of things that can trigger a cold sore, or maybe even none at all. When you see the word herpes mentioned in this article do not be alarmed, it's not the same thing. There are two types of virus which causes cold sores. The first one is the Herpes simplex virus type one; it affects the tissues that are above the waist line. The Type 2 herpes simplex virus affects the genital area.
Now you may think that what are cold sores but a viral infection and you were merely exposed to a carrier or an object infected with the virus. Actually cold sores are a manifestation of the herpes simplex virus' reactivation in your body. Meaning you already have it, and its simply "coming alive" again.
If you are asking where you are getting your current cold sore, then you must know that you have probably had a previous herpes infection called the primary herpetic stomatitis. This previous occurrence will not manifest itself as a cold sore; which is probably why you have not related the connection between the two.
What Are Cold Sores Signs And Symptoms?
Initially you will notice that you are not feeling well, your temperature will rise, you'll get a headache and it will be painful to swallow as well as irritated. A day after your gums will swell up, and the pain upon swallowing will become more intense. The infection will run its course for 10 to 14 days. On the third day you will see blisters forming around your mouth which will erupt into disgusting gray and watery ulcers.
What Are Cold Sores Cure?
Patients who frequently get cold sores are vitamin B deficient. A good dose of Vitamin B supplements should take care of the problem. Folic acid will also help in aiding the vitamin B to be absorbed quickly. However, there is no cure for cold sores. The Vitamin B supplement only acts as a sort of preventive care to minimize the outbreak.
Now you may not remember the symptoms of cold sores, it's probably because you've had them when you were relatively young, about 6 or 7 years old. If your case is sub-clinical then it's definitely unlikely that you'll remember it.
