The Appearance Of Cold Sores On The Skin

Cold sores on the skin are not uncommon. By definition type1 simplex herpes virus is a type of cold sore that occurs from the waist up. Cold sores are also considered fever blisters. They usually appear around the mouth area, the corners and even the lip itself.

Causes

The appearance of cold sores on the skin is caused by the virus which is activated due to certain catalysts and sometimes even the lack of catalyst. The virus may lay dormant for years and then suddenly come alive. Although cold sores generally appear in the corners of the mouth or the lip area, cold sores on the skin around the mouth can appear from time to time.

Stages

The distinguishing characteristics of cold sores around the skin from other mouth sores are its appearance. New cold sore outbreaks will form in the same vicinity as the previous one. The cold sore on the skin will be 10 to 12 days. On the first day the patient will usually feel a little feverish, irritable, tired and will have difficulty swallowing.

On the third day, the lesion will become more visible and the pain will not go unnoticed. It will be difficult to eat as the sore will be irritating. The fourth day will bring forth the watery part because the sores will rupture. This phase of cold sores on the skin is the most painful one because the sensitivity will be heightened. After sometime the sore will become a scab, and then it will heal.

The Pain

As mentioned, fever blisters are really painful. It is triggered by the intense heat of your body. The virus is sort of incubated, and that's why it activates. A degree of discomfort is associated with every stage of the cold sore.

Is It Contagious?

Cold sores on the skin are highly contagious. Kissing and any contact should be refrained. Incidentally although it sounds a bit disconcerting, as an added precaution you should separate your plates, glass and utensils when having a fever blister. Skin to skin contact or transfer from a person to an object to another person is the frequent cause of cold sore on the skin.

Cure?

Cold Sores do not have cures. You can however prevent it from repeatedly erupting. Studies have shown that people who have cold sores have a vitamin B12 deficiency. So doctors have recommended that people who frequently get fever blisters should take a supplement coupled with folic acid.