Cold Sores - Tear Sheet Pad



Search Language
Browse
Medical Illustrations
Medical Charts
Tear Sheet Pads
Most Recent Uploads
Body Systems/Regions
Anatomy & Physiology
Cells & Tissues
Cardiovascular System
Digestive System
Lymphatic System
Muscular System
Nervous System
Reproductive System
Respiratory System
Skeletal System
Special Senses
Urinary System
Abdomen
Back and Spine
Foot and Ankle
Head and Neck
Hip
Knee
Shoulder
Thorax
Medical Specialties
Cancer
Cardiology
Dentistry
Editorial
Health & Fitness
Neurology/Neurosurgery
Ob/Gyn
Orthopedics
Pathology
Pediatrics
Account
Administrator Login

Cold Sores - Tear Sheet Pad

 

Item #nht0010 — Source #1272

Order by phone: +44 (0)207 953 0245

Order by email: info@imrights.com

Cold Sores - Tear Sheet Pad
Cold Sores (Fever Blisters) by Rick Alan Definition Cold sores are small, painful, fluid-filled blisters, usually on the lips or gums. Causes Cold sores are usually caused by the herpes simplex 1 virus, but sometimes caused by the herpes 2 virus that causes genital herpes. The two viruses are related, but different. The virus invades the skin, then lies dormant for weeks or months before causing inflammation and blistering. In most cases, people contract the virus as infants or young children. The first episode of illness with herpes simplex 1 virus causes a systemic illness. The virus then lies dormant until it is reactivated. Once reactivated, it results in painful cold sores, usually located at the border of the colored part of the lip. The virus can be spread by: Contact with the eating utensils, razors, towels or other personal items of a person with active cold sores Contact with the fluid from a cold sore of another person Contact with the saliva of a person who has the herpes simplex virus Sharing food or drink with a person with active cold sores Risk Factors A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Infection with the virus that causes cold sores is so common that everyone is considered at risk. Once the herpes simplex 1 virus is present in the body, the following risk factors can trigger cold sores to form: Certain foods or drugs Dental surgery Eczema Excessive exercise Exposure to sun Infection, fever, cold, or other illness Menstruation Physical injury or trauma Physical or emotional stress Weakened immune system Cold sores often form without an identifiable trigger. Symptoms The first episode of herpes simplex 1 infection may result in 3 to 14 days of: Aches and pains Decreased energy Difficulty eating Fever Mouth sores Swollen glands in the neck Swollen, sore throat After this initial illness has passed, the virus lies dormant until reactivated. In the day just prior to the virus reappearing as a cold sore, you may notice some itching, burning, or pain in the area where the cold sore will appear. Symptoms of cold sores on the lips, mouth or skin include: After a few days, drying of the blister, which then forms a yellow crust and shallow ulcers Pain, tingling or itching for a day or two before the blister appears Small, painful, fluid-filled, red-rimmed blisters Diagnosis The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and examine the blisters. Usually, the doctor can easily diagnose a cold sore by looking at it. Cold sores have a relatively classic appearance. In rare cases, the doctor may need to take a piece of a blister to analyze it or take a blood sample for testing. Treatment Cold sores will usually heal within 7-20 days. Treatments for blisters on the lips, mouth, or skin include: Antibiotic drugs if the blister becomes infected by bacteria Antiviral creme or ointment if you suffer from frequent herpes simplex 1 virus outbreaks Non-prescription cold sore/fever blister cremes and ointments to lessen pain Non-prescription pain relief drugs to lessen pain and discomfort Not rubbing or scratching blisters Oral antiviral medications, such as Zovirax® (acyclovir) or Denavir® (penciclovir), may be given the moment you feel a cold sore coming on. These medications can decrease discomfort, and help cold sores go away more quickly. Putting ice on blisters to lessen pain and promote healing Prevention To prevent the spread of the herpes simplex 1 virus: Avoid skin contact, kissing or sharing food, drink or personal items with people with active cold sores. If you have an active cold sore, avoid touching the infected area (to avoid spreading the virus to other people and/or other parts of your body). To prevent recurring outbreaks of cold sores or blisters: Avoid long periods of time in the sun. Get adequate rest and relaxation to minimize stress. Use sun block on lips and face when in the sun. Last reviewed: November 2003 by Elizabeth Smoots, MD .

YOU MAY ALSO WANT TO REVIEW THESE ITEMS:
Canker Sores
Canker Sores - si55551164
Medical Illustration
Add to my lightbox
Find More Like This
Impetigo: Sores on the Upper Lip
Impetigo: Sores on the Upper Lip - si55551243
Medical Illustration
Add to my lightbox
Find More Like This
Scabies Skin Sores
Scabies Skin Sores - si55551297
Medical Illustration
Add to my lightbox
Find More Like This
Development of Pressure Sores (Bedsores or Decubitus Ulcers)
Development of Pressure Sores (Bedsores or Decubitus Ulcers) - exh39175
Medical Chart
Add to my lightbox
Find More Like This
Cut-section of Skin with Sores
Cut-section of Skin with Sores - AY00018
Medical Illustration
Add to my lightbox
Find More Like This
Canker Sores in the Mouth
Canker Sores in the Mouth - si55551612
Medical Illustration
Add to my lightbox
Find More Like This
This exhibit is available in these languages: