COLD SORES Oral herpes (commonly
called cold sores, fever blisters or facial herpes) is typically
caused by the HSV-1 virus and generally contracted through saliva or
direct contact with infected skin. Millions of people
worldwide are infected with facial herpes. Studies show that up to
90% of people 50+ are infected with the HSV-1 virus, but only a small
fraction of those infected will have symptoms: facial herpes
recurrences occur in 20% to 40% of adults. In America, there are an
estimated 500,000 new cases of facial herpes annually. Studies show
that in some countries, there is a rise in genital herpes cases
caused by HSV-1 - in some studies more than 50% of new genital herpes
instances are caused by HSV-1. This may be partly associated with
changing sexual behaviors. Generally, individuals who
have HSV-1 contracted it during childhood. For 70% of people
infected, there are no symptoms. Typically there is no way to
determine exactly how or when you contracted facial herpes. It is
probable that you were infected during childhood through contact with
a family member or another child who had the HSV-1 virus. Many
individuals have no symptoms and may go a lifetime without knowing
they are infected. Greatest risk of contracting the virus is during
the time the blisters appear until they have completely disappeared.
However, it is still possible to spread herpes even after the skin
has healed and the infection is no longer visible. Cold sores are unlike
canker sores, although people oftentimes confuse the two. Although
many people believe the two are related, cold sores differ greatly
from canker sores. Cold sores are triggered by reactivation of the
herpes simplex virus, and are contagious. Canker sores on the other
hand, are not contagious, and are actually ulcers that exist in the
soft tissues inside the mouth, where cold sores very rarely exist. TRANSMISSION Facial herpes is
contagious and is passed by close physical contact with someone who
has the virus. It is most typically contracted during childhood from
kissing or hugging close contact with other infected children.
Likewise, facial herpes is often passed among adults by kissing and
it can also be transmitted by sharing drinkware, cosmetics,
toothbrushes or face towels during an active period. The time when the virus is
the most contagious of facial is when the blisters burst, but it can
be passed before blisters are visible or when a person has no
symptoms at all (asymptomatic shedding). It is very common for
people to have cold sores. While they are not curable, there are
things that have been shown to decrease the frequency and duration of
an outbreak. SYMPTOMS and OUTBREAKS* SYMPTOMS In the event that there
are symptoms of oral herpes, they typically include a fever, flu-like
symptoms, a sore mouth and throat (pharyngitis). Painful blisters may
appear on the tongue, in the mouth and near and on the lips. These
blisters are most often mild. The blisters, which develop into
ulcers, last for about 12 days. The amount of blisters generally
peaks around day 6 and then decreases. Neck pain and enlarged lymph
nodes may occur. There can be bad breath and drooling. Children who
are infected may turn down food and drink due to pain in severe
cases. If this occurs, guardians should consult a doctor. In older
people (such as teenagers), the symptoms may be more severe than in
small children. OUTBREAKS After HSV has attacked the
body, it passes along the nerve paths to the trigeminal ganglion, a
bundle of nerves close to the inner ear, where it stays throughout a
person's life. Some people don’t ever have another outbreak, but
some people experience occasional recurrences. When reactivated, the
virus travels back up the nerves towards the mouth causing a new
outbreak, although the symptoms may not be at the same site as the
initial infection symptoms. People often experience milder, shorter
symptoms during recurrences. Many who experience cold
sores have two or three outbreaks each year. Blisters typically are
more localized than during initial infection and normally heal within
8–10 days. Pain dissipates quickly, frequently in 4–5 days.
Factors like sunlight, fever, stress, or surgery are thought trigger
HSV-1 outbreaks, but these claims have not been scientifically
proven. Generally, outbreaks will
clear up totally in about two weeks. This can typically be decreased
if you use antiviral drugs. *The following information
is not a substitute for medical advice and is not intended for
diagnosis or treatment. Consult a physician to confirm suspicion of
herpes and for treatment advice. PREVENTION Many things can be done to
protect yourself and your partner from contracting herpes and to
avoid spreading it to other body parts. Here are helpful tips to
prevent the spread of herpes: * Do not kiss or have skin
contact with infected persons during an outbreak. Oral herpes is
passed most easily when there are moist secretions from cold sores.
For people who have suppressed immune system, herpes can be
contracted even when there are no visible signs of an outbreak. * Do not share items like
eating utensils, towels, and lip balm because these can carry the
herpes virus during an outbreak. * Wash your hands
carefully and regularly prior to touching others during an outbreak. * Use caution when
touching other body parts. Eyes and genital region can be
particularly vulnerable to the spread of herpes. * Avoid activities known
to trigger outbreaks. Try to avoid stressful situations, like cold or
flu, lack of sleep or prolonged sun exposure without sunblock. * Use sunblock on lips and
face prior to prolonged sun exposure— in winter and summer to avoid
outbreaks. When you are experiencing
an outbreak, the aforementioned good hygiene practices will decrease
chance of transmission. Also steer clear of: * Kissing - even a
friendly peck on the cheek could pass facial herpes * Oral sex * Sharing face towels,
eating/drinking utensils, toothbrushes—anything that may pass the
virus. TREATMENT FOR ORAL HERPES Commonly, cold sores heal
without the use of medicine. But, you may want to seek medical
attention if: *The blisters don't go
away within one to two weeks *There is a pre-existing
health condition that has put your immune system at risk *Symptoms are severe *You have frequent
outbreaks *Eye irritation occurs If your facial herpes
condition does not warrant medical attention, use the following tips
to control oral herpes episodes. * Guard face from extreme
sunlight by wearing a hat and applying sunblock on and around lip
region * Begin treatment right
away when you notice signs. * If you have intense or
frequent outbreaks, suppressive therapy <link to glossary> to
reduce recurrences may be the best option for you. * Use antiviral therapy as a preventive measure to reduce the chance
of an outbreak if you will be exposed to a trigger(i.e. extreme weather conditions). * Do not touch sores. This
can cause a bacterial infection or possibly pass the virus to other
body parts. * Wash your hands
immediately after touching sores and before and after you apply any
medication to affected area. * Be careful when applying
or removing eye make-up because the virus can be passed to the eye. * Wash hands prior to
inserting and removing contact lenses and never moisten lenses with
saliva. * Boost the body's immune
system by following these practical steps to leading a healthy
lifestyle: adequate sleep, a regular exercise regiment and a balanced
diet. *The following material regarding HSV-1 (cold sores) has been extracted and adapted from MayoClinic.com