Cold Sores and the Oral Herpes Virus

Oral herpes hsv 1, oral herpes lesions, oral herpes outbreaks

The herpes simplex virus causes fever blisters known as cold sores. Blisters filled with fluid or sores that are tiny but still painful are cold sores and will be visible on the throat, chin, cheek , mouth , nose or lips. Cold sores are the unusual result of oral herpes. It has been said that the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) has been visible to about 80 percent of the population.

A couple of days before the sores appear there are signs like itching, tingling or pain that are called 'Prodromal Symptoms'. During the outbreak it is very dangerous to have any kind of sexual or skin to skin contact. Any kind of personal contact with blisters will mean a spread of the virus. This is even caused from the normal skin that sheds the virus. To be contagious, it is necessary to be in an outbreak period. Saliva that is infected is also very contagious.

It is a common occurrence to develop herpes Whitlow which is a herpes virus outbreak that happens when the cold sores are touched and it appears on the fingers. A preventative measure is using good hygiene, washing the hands carefully or any other sensitive areas, immediately after touching the infected area. Soap and water effectively kills the infection and prevents spreading.

Recurring outbreaks of oral herpes will be about the same as the first outbreak but over time they will become less intense. Most of the recurrences will appear on the lips only. Some of the occurrences that will trigger an outbreak can be fatigue, illness, surgery, stress, sunburn or other skin problems, poor diet, menstruation, and alcohol.

Recurrences of outbreaks can be diminished by using preventative measures like the intake of lysine. Avoiding known triggers of outbreaks will also be a help to at least make the outbreaks a shorter duration.

To clear up some common confusion, cold sores are not the same as canker sores. Canker sores will usually be found inside the mouth while cold sores will show up on the outer lip. The gum area or the roof of the mouth are where oral herpes will appear. A canker sore is usually found in the soft tissue of the mouth.

Another area of confusion is the type of herpes associated with oral herpes. Both the HSV-1 and the HSV-2 can result in oral herpes but for the most part, anything above the waist will be from HSV-1. Anything below the waist is typically the result of HSV-2.