What are Cold Sores? Basic Questions You Must Answer

What are cold sores actually? You may wonder about cold sores that often you experience around your lips and mouth. Herpes simplex virus is the reason why you experience cold sores. These live in your body for years and can be activated in some period of time when the triggers come. Below, the discussion about what are cold sores will be explored.

What Are Cold Sores Caused By?

There are some conditions that can trigger a cold sore. You don’t have to worry when you hear about herpes because these are not the same thing. It is true that what are cold sores is actually caused by two types of virus. First is the type one of herpes simplex virus that affects the tissues above the waist line. Second is the type two of herpes simplex virus that affects the genital area.

Now you may think that what are cold sores but a viral infection and you were merely exposed to a carrier or an object infected with the virus. In fact, cold sores are a manifestation of the herpes simplex virus’ reactivation in your body. It means that you already have it and it’s simply “activated” again.

If you are asking where you are getting your current cold sore, then you must know that you have probably had a previous herpes infection called the primary herpetic stomatitis. This previous occurrence will not manifest itself as a cold sore. This is probably why you have not related the connection between the two.

What Are Cold Sores Signs And Symptoms?

Initially you will notice that you are not feeling well, your temperature will rise, you’ll get a headache and it will be painful to swallow as well as irritated. A day after your gums will swell up, and the pain upon swallowing will become more intense. The infection will run its course for 10 to 14 days. On the third day you will see blisters forming around your mouth which will erupt into disgusting gray and watery ulcers.

What Are Cold Sores Cure?

Patients who frequently get cold sores are vitamin B deficient. A good dose of Vitamin B supplements should take care of the problem. Folic acid will also help in aiding the vitamin B to be absorbed quickly. However, there is no cure for cold sores. The Vitamin B supplement only acts as a sort of preventive care to minimize the outbreak.

You may not remember the symptom of what are cold sores. This is because you experience cold sores when you were about 6 or 7 years old. It is definitely that you’ll remember the symptom of your cold sores if your case is sub-clinical. For more information, please check out links in this Cold Sores Solutions site.