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Cold sores, also called fever blisters, are caused from the herpes simplex virus. Cold sores are small, painful, fluid-filled blisters or sores that appear on the lips, mouth, throat, cheek, chin, or nose. Oral Herpes, or cold sores are very common. It is estimated that 80% of the population have been exposed to the herpes simplex virus, HSV-1.
"Prodromal Symptoms" such as pain, itching, or tingling, often precedes the blisters by one to two days. Sexual contact (oral to oral, vaginal, or anal) is very risky during this time. The virus is spread from person to person by kissing or other close contact with sores or even from contact with apparently normal skin that is shedding the virus. You do not have to be symptomatic in order to be contagious. You could be shedding asymptomatically. Infected saliva is also a means of transmitting the virus. (See Transmission)
Herpes Whitlow, herpes occurring on the fingers, is often contracted from touching cold sores. Practice good hygiene and wash your hands as soon as possible after touching cold sores or sensitive areas in the prodromal stage to prevent spreading the virus. The herpes virus is easily killed with soap and water.
Oral herpes can be caused by HSV- 1 or HSV-2, but the typically, HSV-1 is above the waist. Genital herpes is usually caused by HSV-2, and generally below the waist.
The recurrent outbreaks are similar to the first infection, except they usually get milder with time. Recurrent oral herpes usually involves just the lips, with the mouth and throat involved to a much lesser degree. Some factors which may induce an outbreak are surgery, illness, stress, fatigue, skin irritation (such as sunburn), alcohol, diet, and menstruation.
Increaing your intake of lysine will help ward off outbreaks. Many helpful products to help you manage and shorten the duration of your outbreaks are provided on this site. By being aware and avoiding the causes and treating with the preventative products, you may decrease your recurrences.
Canker sores are not the same thing as cold sores. Cold sores usually occur on the outer lip, but canker sores are found inside the mouth. Sometimes people mistakenly associate canker sores with cold sores. Oral Herpes usually appears on the roof of the mouth or the gum area. A sore in the soft tissue of the mouth is usually a canker sore.
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