Why do cold sores appear?

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Why do cold sores appear?

Medically studied to be caused by a virus, cold sores are evidently small, painful, fluid filled blister that most commonly affects the mouth, lips or nose. Also known as oral herpes, cold sores are caused by herpes simplex virus 1. Cold sores can also be referred to as fever blisters, which may last for 2 to 3 weeks. As herpes virus remains to be dominant in the facial nerves, cold sores can evidently recur at any given time. Studies have shown that more than eighty percent of the population experience cold sores at any given date, time and event. Inflammation at the infected site can last within 5 to 10 days. After which, the appearance of tiny, hard, inflamed papules and vesicles that may itch and are painfully sensitive to touch, may then follow. The most painful and contagious of the stages is when the lesion starts to open, creating a one big weeping ulcer. At this time, water discharges become evident, and after which crusting occurs. This is the time where healing process starts and regeneration of cells are initiated. After several days, the affected area assumes to be normal again.

Aside from the major cause of getting infected from the herpes simplex virus, cold sores are a result of viral reactivations that occur in the body. And once the herpes simplex virus gains access into the body, it has no ability to leave. Therefore, it remains until one meets death. The reactivation of the virus already contained in the body contributes to the reason why cold sores appear, especially when contributory factors such as stress, menstruation, sunlight, sunburn, fever, or local skin trauma is being experienced.

To address such problem, antiviral agents can be taken in different forms depending on the condition’s extent.

Author: plaza

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