What Causes Cold Sores

It is a very embarrassing and awkward situation when you have big, nasty lesions on your lips and mouth. People stare at your face, as if you are the eighth wonder of the world! Sometimes people ask many uneasy questions regarding the lesions. Although these lesions stay for a few days, they become the most harrowing days of your life. And beware, even though you think you may have got rid of them for good, they are not completely eliminated from your system. These nasty lesions are nothing but cold sores. Now without wasting much time lets get down to the details of the causes of cold sores.

Cold sores are caused by herpes simplex virus. Don't fret when you hear 'herpes'. There are two types of herpes namely "type 1" and "type 2".

Type 1 Herpes Simplex Virus
Herpes simplex virus type 1 infections are those which infect body tissues above the waistline. These viruses are the major cold sore causing agents.

Type 2 Herpes Simplex Virus
Herpes simplex type 2 infections are those which affect the body tissues below the waistline. These are main disease causing agents for "genital herpes". This type 2 virus does not commonly cause cold sores, although it has the virulence for the same.

It is common knowledge that an infection is the result of a recent exposure to the pathogenic organisms. But, in case of cold sores, it is not a recent infection that causes the lesions but reactivation of the dormant herpes simplex virus present in your body. These pathogens are generally present in your body because of previous infection and the initial infection may not have caused development of lesions. Doctors term this initial infection as 'primary herpes stomatitis'. You may experience fever, headache and difficulty in swallowing and there are chances for the infected person to become irritable. Within a day or so of developing these symptoms, you may develop a pain in your mouth and the gums become inflamed. By the third day, blisters come up near your mouth and lips. The blisters remain painful and you may experience difficulty in eating.

Most of the cold sore infections occur before or near the the age of seven. As the virus remains dormant in the body, their reactivation causes sores. Most of the symptoms are non-clinical, thus one may remain oblivious of the infections.

The other reasons that may cause fever blisters are over exposure to wind and sun. Stress is one major cause that leads to cold sore infection. If there is high amount of arginine present in your cells and low amount of lysine, cold sore blisters may pop up. Thus, by increasing the level of lysine one may get rid of cold sores. Another major cause of cold sores is a weak immune system. Low immunity makes one prone to recurring cold sore outbreak.

Cold sore infections are very contagious. The most common way for the virus to be transmitted is through infected saliva. You may pass on the virus through saliva regardless of the presence of sores. The contagion lessens as the blisters dry and get crusted. Cold sores can never spread by using common surfaces like towels or clothes.

There is no sure shot way to treat a cold sore, but many over the counter drugs are available which may help in their treatment and management. Your doctor may advice medicines that contain docosanol, which are capable of inhibiting the herpes virus. Other medications like numbing agents that provide relief from the burning, itching and pain may also be prescribed by medical practitioners. Your doctor may also suggest L-lysine supplements or use of herbal medicines like sage and tea tree oil. The herbal sedative Violet is also considered as an effective medical treatment for cold sore. Lip balms help in moisturizing the region and prevent further cracking and bleeding of the lips. Sun screens that contan zinc oxide can help in preventing cold sore outbreak, caused by the exposure of the skin to the ultraviolet rays of the sun.

Home remedies such as applying ice can benefit in treating cold sores. Ice lowers the temperature of the tissue where the cold sore is forming. Thus, the metabolic rate of the tissue decreases and brings a halt to the development of cold sore. Herpes virus hates cold temperature and ice sends the virus back to its dormant stage.Application of tea bag on the infected area is another effective home remedy. Tea contains tannic acid that possesses antiviral properties. You can apply a moistened tea bag every hour for a few minutes to bring the cold sore in control. Petroleum jelly is also effective as it moisturizes the cold sore lesions, preventing further cracking and bleeding.

You cannot prevent an onset of cold sore, but can minimize the number of outbreaks. Avoid stress to minimize an outbreak. Now you have enough knowledge about cold sores causes and the next time someone asks you awkward questions regarding the lesions on your lips, you will be better prepared to answer.