What are cold sores?

唇疱疹是红色,充满液体的水泡m near the mouth or on other areas of the face. In rare cases, cold sores may appear on the fingers, nose, or inside the mouth. They’re usually clumped together in patches. Cold sores may persist for two weeks or longer.

A common virus called herpes simplex causes cold sores. They can spread from person to person through close contact, such as kissing. The sores are contagious even when they’re not visible.

There’s no cure for cold sores, and they may return without warning. Certain medications can be used to treat cold sores and prevent them from coming back.

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus. There are two types of the herpes simplex virus. The herpes simplex type 1 virus (HSV-1) usually causes cold sores, and theherpes simplex type 2 virus(HSV-2) usually causesgenital herpes.

The actual sores are similar in appearance for both forms of the virus. It’s also possible for HSV-1 to cause sores on the genitals and for HSV-2 to cause sores on the mouth.

Visible cold sores are contagious, but they may be spread even when they can’t be seen. You can get the herpes simplex virus by coming in contact with people with the herpes simplex virus. This may happen through kissing, sharing cosmetics, or sharing food. Oral sex may spread both cold sores and genital herpes.

Reinfection

一旦您获得了单纯疱疹病毒，它就无法治愈，但可以进行管理。一旦疮愈合，病毒就会处于休眠状态。这意味着当病毒重新激活时，可以随时出现新疮。

Some people with the virus report more frequent outbreaks when their immune systems are weak, such as during illness or times of stress.

You may notice a tingling or burning sensation on your lips or face several days before a cold sore develops. This is the best time to开始治疗.

Once the sore forms, you’ll see a raised, red blister full of fluid. It will usually be painful and tender to the touch. There may be more than one sore present.

The cold sore will remain for up to two weeks and will be contagious until it crusts over. Your first cold sore may not appear for up to 20 days after you contract the herpes simplex virus.

在爆发期间，您还可能会遇到以下症状：

You should call your doctor immediately if you develop any eye symptoms during a cold sore outbreak. The herpes simplex virus can lead to permanent vision loss when not treated promptly.

A cold sore goes through five stages:

  • Stage 1: Tingling and itching occurs about 24 hours before blisters erupt.
  • Stage 2: Fluid-filled blisters appear.
  • Stage 3: The blisters burst, ooze, and form painful sores.
  • Stage 4: The sores dry out and scab over causing itching and cracking.
  • Stage 5: The scab falls off and the cold sore heals.

According to the Mayo Clinic, 90 percent of adults worldwide test positive for the herpes simplex type 1 virus. Once you have the virus, certain risk factors may reactivate it such as:

You’re at risk of getting a cold sore if you come in contact with the fluid of a cold sore through kissing, sharing foods or drinks, or sharing personal care items such as toothbrushes and razors. If you come in contact with the saliva of someone who has the virus, you can get the virus, even if there are no visible blisters.

单纯疱疹的初期收缩可以作为原因的e more severe symptoms and complications, as your body hasn’t built up a defense to the virus yet. Complications are rare, but can occur, especially in young children. Call your doctor immediately if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms:

Complications are more likely to occur in people who have eczema or a condition that weakens their immune system, such ascanceror AIDS. If you do have any of these conditions, contact your doctor if you think you’ve contracted the herpes simplex virus.

There’s no cure for cold sores, but some people with the herpes simplex virus rarely have outbreaks. When cold sores do develop, there are several ways to treat them.

Ointments and creams

When cold sores become bothersome, you may be able to control pain and promote healing with antiviral ointments, such as penciclovir (Denavir). Ointments tend to be most effective if they’re applied as soon as first signs of a sore appear. They will need to be applied four to five times per day for four to five days.

Docosanol（Abreva）是另一种治疗选择。这是一种非处方面霜，可以将爆发从几个小时缩短到一天。乳霜必须每天涂几次。

Medications

还可以用口服抗病毒药物治疗唇疱疹acyclovir（Zovirax），Valacyclovir(Valtrex), andfamciclovir（Famvir）。这些药物仅可通过处方获得。

您的医生可能会指示您如果您患有唇疱疹的并发症或疫情经常出现并发症，请定期服用抗病毒药物。

家庭疗法

Symptoms may be eased by applying ice or washcloths soaked in cold water over the sores. Alternative treatments for cold sores include using lip balm containing lemon extract.

Taking lysine supplements on a regular basis is associated with less frequent outbreaks for some people.

Aloe vera, the cooling gel found inside the leaves of the aloe plant, may bring cold sore relief. Apply aloe vera gel or aloe vera lip balm to a cold sore three times a day.

A凡士林such as Vaseline won’t necessarily heal a cold sore, but it may ease discomfort. The jelly helps prevent cracking. It also serves as a protective barrier against outside irritants.

Witch hazel是一种天然的收敛剂，可能有助于干燥和治愈唇疱疹，但可以用施用来刺痛。 Scientists in one study demonstrated that witch hazel has antiviral properties that may inhibit the spread of cold sores. Even so, the verdict is still out on whether cold sores heal faster if they’re kept moist or dry.

Always applyhome remedies, creams, gels, or ointments to cold sores using a clean cotton swab or cotton ball.

Canker sores唇疱疹既会引起疼痛和不适，但这就是它们的相似之处。溃疡疮是发生在嘴，舌头，喉咙和脸颊的溃疡。它们通常是平坦的病变。它们没有传染性，也不是由单​​纯疱疹病毒引起的。

Cold sores are usually found on the lips and outside the mouth. They’re highly contagious. Cold sores are raised and have a “bubbly” appearance.

To prevent spreading cold sores to other people, you should wash your hands often and avoid skin contact with others. Make sure you don’t share items that touch your mouth, such as lip balm and food utensils, with other people during an outbreak.

You can help prevent the reactivation of the cold sore virus by learning your triggers and taking steps to prevent them. Some prevention tips include:

  • If you get cold sores when you’re in the sun, apply a zinc oxide lip balm before soaking up some rays.
  • 如果每次压力都会刺痛，请练习stress management techniquessuch as meditation and journaling.
  • Avoid kissing anyone who has a cold sore, and do not perform oral sex on anyone who has active genital herpes.