Health
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Cold Sores
[ad_1]
4. Are Cold Sores Contagious?
Cold sores are contagious, so the virus can pass to another person through direct contact.
“A cold sore sheds herpes simplex virus into the saliva, and spreads when the infected saliva contacts another person’s mucosal surfaces (like their lips) or small cracks in the skin,” says Allison Arthur, MD, a dermatologist based in Orlando, Florida.
It’s important to note that you can also spread the virus when you don’t have a blister or other symptoms. You’re still a carrier even if the virus is dormant in your body.
You’re most contagious when blisters are present, so wait until a blister completely heals and scabs over before coming in close contact with anyone.
The virus can spread through kissing as well as sharing eating utensils, drinks, and personal items, such as a towel or lipstick.
5. What Does a Cold Sore Look Like?
A cold sore forms in stages. Early symptoms of a cold sore include itching and tingling on or around your lips, before a blister appears, and red or swollen skin. Clusters of fluid-filled blisters similar to tiny pimples develop one or two days later. In the days that follow, the blisters break open and ooze. A scab forms over the cold sore after about a week and falls off in about 10 to 14 days.
6. How Do You Prevent Cold Sores?
If you’re infected with the virus that causes a cold sore, you can prevent an outbreak by avoiding certain triggers. A weak immune system, stress, fatigue, and even exposure to sunlight or wind can trigger an outbreak.
To keep your immune system strong, get plenty of sleep, exercise regularly, and eat a balanced diet.
If you tend to have outbreaks after too much sun exposure, wear sunscreen and limit the amount of time you spend in the sun.
If you haven’t been infected with the virus, avoid skin-to-skin contact with someone who has a cold sore, wash your hands with soap and water after touching a cold sore, and don’t share utensils or personal items.
[ad_2]
