Most people understand the pain and hassle of dealing with a cold sore. In fact, 90% of adults have experienced this condition at least once in their lives. Additionally, around 50% of the population first develop cold sores when they were in kindergarten. Even though cold sores often form on or in your mouth, there are cases where it may develop on your nose, cheeks, and eyes.
A cold sore, which is also sometimes referred to as fever blisters, is a group of tiny, painful, fluid-filled blisters often found on and around your lips. The herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 or HSV-2) is the one responsible for the formation of cold sores. Additionally, this virus may be dormant for years in your body, which is why almost each and every one of us may be susceptible to this virus.
As mentioned, since cold sores are painful and an overall hassle in your life, it’s best if you know the signs that you’re about to develop these blisters. This way, you’ll be able to take the necessary preventive measures, such as using a cold sore laser.
Signs of Cold Sores
Here are the signs that you’re about to develop cold sores:
1. Tingling
Before it heals, a cold sore passes through several stages. The first indication that you may be developing a cold sore is when you’re experiencing a tingling and itching sensation around your lips for a day.
Managing cold sores during this stage may reduce its severity, preventing it from spreading across the different areas of your mouth. Nonetheless, the virus would still continue to form. Still, if you wish to manage cold sores during this stage, which is highly advisable, take some oral medication, such as doscosanol.
2. Blistering
One or two days after experiencing the tingling sensation, or the first sign of cold sores, your cold sore will now move to the next stage–blistering. This stage is identified by blisters, which are filled with clear fluid, appearing on the surface of your skin, in and around your mouth, including your throat.
It’s when blisters are forming that the cold sores become contagious. Thus, during this stage, it’s advisable to always wash your hands with water after you touch the affected area. Also, it’s best to avoid sharing food and drink to stop the spread of this condition. It’s also advisable to refrain from kissing and oral sex. Essentially, limit intimate contact until there are no longer any signs of blisters.
Healing Stage
By applying the necessary topical treatments, or even pain reliever if your cold sore seems to be too bothersome, you’ll be able to manage your cold sore from becoming worse or affecting other parts of your mouth or even other people.
Additionally, by avoiding certain types of food, such as spicy and salty foods, during the blistering stage you’ll be able to avoid any form of discomfort when you’re eating.
After undergoing the two signs of cold sores above, you’re now in the healing stage, which is characterized by weeping and then crusting.
Weeping: During this part of the healing stage, the cold sore will open up, which usually occurs a few days after the blister appeared on your skin’s surface. A break-open cold sore will be red and shallow. It’s during this stage that cold sores are highly contagious.
Crusting: The crusting stage is experienced after your cold sore breaks open. This stage is when your blister becomes dry, turning either brown or yellow. Take note that you shouldn’t aggravate the crusted blister by touching or itching it. Instead, opt for either a cold or warm compress.
After the crusting stage, the cold sore will now enter its healing stage, which is when the blister starts to scab. To soften the scab and reduce any form of irritation that it may bring, try using zinc oxide or aloe vera around the cold sore. Fortunately, the scab will slowly flake away on its own and won’t leave marks on your skin.
Takeaway
Since it’s highly contagious and the virus responsible for the condition remains dormant, almost everyone has experienced cold sores at one point or another. Still, just because it’s common, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t do anything about it. Cold sores can bring so much hassle as it prevents one from eating, drinking, or even participating in physical intimacy. Thus, it’s necessary to take the necessary preventive measures so you’ll be able to properly address cold sores.
Fortunately, there are now many ways to treat cold sores, allowing you to go back to your normal routine as soon as possible.
