What is a Cold Sore? Learn About These Painful Sores

Many people suffer with unsightly and painful blisters on or around their mouths but are not sure what they are. These are known as fever blisters or cold sores. These blisters actually come from the herpes simplex virus. There are certain factors that can trigger a break out of cold sores so it can be very helpful for a person to know these triggers so that they can avoid unwanted breakouts. Once you know the signs of a cold sore, you can then take measure to help the cold sore disappear in no time flat.

Herpes simplex virus is the cause of cold sores. There are a total of two types of herpes and most are not aware that there are two types. The first is called herpes simplex type 1. This type generally hits the body parts that are found on the upper torso or above the belt. This is the main form of herpes that causes cold sores. Then there is herpes simplex virus type 2 which hits the body parts that are on the lower torso or the ones below the belt. This form of herpes is also known as genital herpes. Keep in mind, that while it is not regular for this type to cause cold sores, it can in fact cause them.

Many people think that when they have a bout of cold sores it is due to some virus that they had recently come in contact with. The truth is that it is just a flare up of something you already have in your system, which is a form of herpes. There are things that can irritate it such as stress or even a virus that you have in your body. When you are about to break out with a cold sore you will feel a swollen or puffy spot on or around your lip and you may feel a tingling sensation.

When you feel the sign of a cold sore coming on, you will want to start treatment as soon as possible. By starting the treatment as quickly as possible, you can actually slow down or ward off a cold sore all together. Some of the best treatments that you can do for a cold sore is when during the first signs. You can try such things as icing the tingly area. Many people swear by using ice you can actually stop a cold sore from coming out all the way.

If you find that you suffer from frequent cold sores, then the above information may be very helpful so that you can end the viscous cycle. Keep an eye for the above symptoms and when you feel a cold sore coming on, start treatment right away. If you find that you didn't catch it in time to stop it from coming, there are plenty of over the counter medications as well as prescribed ones from your physician.