❄️ Cold Sores (Herpes Simplex Labialis)
Cold sores are small, painful blisters that usually appear on or around the lips. They are caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV-1), a contagious virus.
🧬 Cause:
- Infection with Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV-1)
- The virus remains dormant in nerve cells and can reactivate later, causing outbreaks
- Triggers for reactivation include:
- Stress
- Illness or fever
- Sun exposure
- Hormonal changes
- Fatigue
🩺 Symptoms:
- Tingling, itching, or burning sensation around the lips before sores appear
- Small fluid-filled blisters that crust and heal over 7-10 days
- Pain and tenderness around the affected area
- Sometimes mild fever or swollen lymph nodes during initial infection
🔍 Diagnosis:
- Usually diagnosed based on appearance and history
- Laboratory tests (PCR or viral culture) if diagnosis is uncertain
💊 Treatment:
- No cure, but antiviral medications can reduce severity and duration:
- Topical creams (e.g., acyclovir, penciclovir)
- Oral antivirals (e.g., acyclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir)
- Avoid touching sores to prevent spreading
- Keep area clean and avoid triggers
⚠️ Complications:
- Rarely, the virus can cause more serious infections in eyes or brain
- More severe in people with weakened immune systems