Cold Sores

Cold sores are caused by the Herpes sirriplex virus (HSV). About 40% of Australians are affected by cold sores at some time in their lives. There
are two types of HSV and each affects different parts of the body. HSV-1 usually causes infections on the face, such as cold sores around
the lips and nose; HSV-2 usually causes genital herpes.

 

There are four main stages of cold sore symptoms:

 

• Tingle - a tingling, burning feeling around the lips or nose a few hours before the cold sore appears.

• Blister - red, swollen areas appear and bet covered with tiny blisters. This takes about a day. The blisters can last for a few days.

• Weeping - the blisters open and fluid Weeps out. The virus can easily be spread to other people at this stage.

• Scab - the cold sore dries up and forms a (aciclovir, idoxuridine) scab. This heals in about a week without leaving a scar.

 

Cold sores return anytime after the first infection, because the virus 'hides' in the body's nerve cells away from the immune system.

 

The virus return can be triggered by sunburn, fever, menstrual cycle, cold, illness, some foods, stress, or by being run down.

 

There is no permanent cure for cold sores, but staying healthy may help reduce the number you get.

 

Medicines

 

There is a range of cold sore medication available. Talk to your pharmacist about the right one for you.

 

Antiviral Medicines

These fight the cold sore virus. They are the most effective treatments available.

• They need to be applied regularly from the tingle stage.

• If applied early enough, these medicines can reduce the chance of a cold sore appearing.

 

 
If a cold sore does form, continual use of antiviral medicines (before the blister weeps) can also speed healing,

There are other cold sore products to dry up the blisters, relieve pain and stop possible infection with bacteria. Cold sore products containing povidone-iodine can kill bacteria as well as HSV They are very useful once a cold sore has reached the weeping stage, when a bacterial infection is more likely to occur.

 

Self Care

• If blisters have opened, keep the area clean and dry.

• Follow the instructions carefully when using cold sore products.

• Avoid getting cold sore products in the eves or inside the nose or mouth.

• Wash your hands before and after applying a cold sore product.

• Wear a wide brimmed hat and at least SPF 15+ lip sunscreen when in the sun.

• Eat a well-balanced nutritious diet 

• Learn to relax 

• Get plenty of sleep 

• Lysine, zinc, and vitamin C may help

• Exercise Regularly

• Avoid Picking a cold sore - this will delay healing and may open up the cold sore to infection.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stop Cold Sores Spreading

• Avoid other people touching your cold sore (eg kissing) especially when your cold sores are in the blister or weeping stage/

• Be careful not to rub your eyes after touching a cold sore

• Do not sheare eating and drinking utensils, towels or face cloths while you have cold sores.

 

Source: Pharmaceutical Society

 

 

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