Cold sores

 Cold sores are those lesions and blisters that usually appear around the lips and they are called cold sores as they often come after common cold and influenza infections but they have no relation with the common cold itself.

Cause of cold sores

Its cause by a virus called Herpes simplex virus this virus has two types one that cause these blisters around the lips and this is called Herpes Labialis and the other cause blisters and rash of the genitals and is called genital Herpes.

This virus is transmuted from one person to another by direst contact to the saliva of an infected person this can be when sharing infected eating tools or by kissing or getting in direct contact with an infected person.

Symptoms and signs of Cold sores

The most obvious symptom of cold sore comes from its naming, the sores or blisters that appear around the lips . It takes the shape of red swollen blister surrounded  by redness in the skin this blisters may become filled with white fluid and all this doesn't last for more than three to four weeks.

The other symptoms include sore throat, fever, swollen glands in your neck.

Diagnosis of cold sores

Its easily diagnosed by examination of the blisters around the lips and its so clear due to its limited body area and it affect also the other symptoms are so clear so the whole case shows clearly that its cold sore or Herpes simplex infection.

Treatment of cold sores

As we know that as it’s a viral infection so it has no curing treatment but all what we can do is the symptomatic treatment to relief the painful blisters by using creams and ointments and other topical preparation also relieving the sore throat by using lozenges and if there is  fever we must using analgesics to cool down the high body temperature . But we must then leave the body to combat the virus by itself and its specialized defense mechanisms in order to get rid of the virus.

Prevention of the infection by Herpes Simplex

This can be dine by avoiding the use of others eating utensils , drinking cups , razors and the other tools that can be shared among different persons. Also avoid getting in contact with infected patients either by kissing or touching.

Finally I must concentrate on one point that ones you have got cold sores you sill not get rid of it completely but you can avoid what triggers the cold sores as stress and flu also try to use lip balm and sunscreen lotions as the exposure to sunlight can trigger your cold sore . Avoid the use of towels ,razors and other tools that someone with cold sore had used. Try not to touch the blisters and the regions you have the sores in as you can transmit the virus to another parts of your body as the genitals for example.

These are the easiest methods to deal with cold sores without the need of prescription or even seeing a doctor but if the disease is more complicated you must see a doctor for more advice.