Cold Sores Facts
Cold Sores Facts You Should Know
If you keep these cold sores facts in mind, you may see fewer cold sores in your life, since they are very contagious!
• Cold sores are common. About seventy percent of adults in the United States have cold sores at some time. Cold sores facts indicate that they are caused by a certain type of the herpes virus.
• You normally get cold sores after skin to skin contact with an area that is infected with the herpes virus. If you have a cold sore on your lip, you can pass it to another person through the act of kissing that person.
• Some people may be infected with the herpes virus that normally causes cold sores and yet not get cold sores. Facts confirm that their immune systems have the ability to suppress the virus.
• The usual period of incubation for a cold sore is between two and twelve days after you were exposed to the virus. Symptoms (the actual cold sores) will show up after this period.
• Many factors can cause an outbreak of a cold sore, but the timing seems to be related to times when your immune system is not up to par. Outbreaks can sometimes be caused by: being run down; pregnancy; alcohol abuse; strong exposure to sunlight; other conditions that have compromised your immune system; fatigue; skin irritation; temperature extremes; another illness or fever; steroid medication; anything that lowers your immune system's responses.
• Before you have the appearance of a cold sore, that affected skin may tingle and feel raised a bit. It may also appear inflamed or red. The pain or tingling is known as the “prodrome”, or warning sign, and usually occurs two to four days before the cold sore appears.
• The cold sores facts tell us that the virus that causes them can be spread in a number of ways. If you have an active cold sore on your lip, the virus can be transferred to any part of the body you touch with your lips – this includes lips, mouth and genitals. The cold sores can even be spread when there is no apparent cold sore on the area involved – if the virus is already infecting that area.
• You need to take proper precautions when you have a cold sore, so that you don't allow the virus to spread. Herpes can be spread from the time you feel the tingling pre-cold-sore, until the cold sore is completely healed. Any contact with the area that is infected, including kissing, touching and oral sex, should be avoided until the skin is completely back to normal.
• Do not touch the affected area until it is healed; if you do touch it, wash your hands with soap and water before touching anything else.
• Cold sore treatments can help shorten how long your cold sore affects your skin. Diluted tea tree oil or black tea bags may sometimes be used with fairly good results.
• Cold sores facts such as those listed here can help you to understand the herpes virus that causes cold sores, and help you remember how to keep the virus from spreading.