What Is Herpes Simplex 1? - Cold Sores Treatment

Dehydration sometimes occurs if drinking fluids becomes painful. Young children are particularly at risk of becoming dehydrated. The herpes simplex virus can also spread to other parts of your body. Examples of when this can occur include:. Left untreated, herpetic keratoconjunctivitis can cause the cornea, the transparent layer at the front of your eye, to become infected, which can eventually lead to blindness.

It's therefore important not to touch your eyes if you have an unhealed cold sore. It's not possible to prevent infection with the herpes simplex virus or prevent outbreaks of cold sores, but you can take steps to minimise the spread of infection. Cold sores are at their most contagious when they burst rupture , but remain contagious until they're completely healed. Avoid close contact with others until your cold sore has completely healed and disappeared.

You can help minimise the risk of the cold sore virus spreading and cold sores recurring by following the advice below:. You won't usually have any symptoms when you first become infected with the herpes simplex virus the primary infection. Symptoms of the primary infection are most likely to develop in children younger than five years old. It can last 7 to 14 days, with the sores taking up to three weeks to heal. However, gingivostomatitis doesn't usually recur after the primary infection.

Primary herpes simplex viruses are rare in adults, but the symptoms are similar to those experienced by children. You'll usually have a sore throat with or without swollen glands. If you develop the herpes simplex virus at an early age, it may be triggered periodically in later life and can cause recurring bouts of cold sores. After the primary infection, the symptoms are usually reduced to just the cold sores themselves.

The only symptom is an outbreak of cold sores, although you may also have swollen glands.

An outbreak of cold sores usually starts with a tingling, itching or burning sensation around your mouth. Small fluid-filled sores then develop, usually on the edges of your lower lip.

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• Cold Sores (HSV-1).

If you have frequent recurrent infections, you may develop cold sores in the same place every time. They may grow in size and cause irritation and pain. Initially, they may ooze before crusting or scabbing over within 48 hours of the initial tingling sensation. If the cold sores are very troublesome, it's possible to suppress them by taking an antiviral tablet called acyclovir regularly, every day for a few months. This is usually only recommended if cold sores are causing a lot of problems, and they may come back when treatment is stopped.

Most cold sores disappear within 7 to 10 days without treatment and usually heal without scarring. The virus passes through the skin and travels up the nerves, where it lies inactive dormant until it's triggered at a later date. This can happen after having oral sex with a man or woman who has genital herpes , which is usually caused by HSV Cold sores usually clear up without treatment within 7 to 10 days. Antiviral tablets or cream can be used to ease your symptoms and speed up the healing time.

They're only effective if you apply them as soon as the first signs of a cold sore appear, when the herpes simplex virus is spreading and replicating. You'll need to apply the cream up to five times a day for four to five days. They don't get rid of the herpes simplex virus or prevent future outbreaks of cold sores occurring.

Antiviral tablets are generally more effective than creams at treating cold sores, but are usually only prescribed for more severe cases. Cold sore patches that contain a special gel called hydrocolloid are also available. They're an effective treatment for skin wounds and are placed over the cold sore to hide the sore area while it heals. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable treatment for you.

Visit your GP if you're at risk. The type of treatment recommended will depend on the severity of your cold sore symptoms and the complication that's causing problems.

They'll be able to suggest treatments to help ease your symptoms. Brushing your teeth may also be painful because of the swelling of your gums.

Your GP may suggest using an antiseptic mouthwash. This helps prevent secondary infections and will also control a build-up of plaque if you can't brush your teeth effectively. As with the treatment of cold sores, any pain or fever can be treated using ibuprofen or paracetamol.

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In rare cases of gingivostomatitis, it's possible for your lips to become stuck together in places. Using a lip barrier cream available from your local pharmacist will help prevent this. If you or your child has gingivostomatitis, it's important to drink plenty of fluids to avoid becoming dehydrated. Most cases of gingivostomatitis get better in 7 to 14 days, although it may take up to three weeks for the sores to heal completely. If you or your child still has symptoms of gingivostomatitis after two weeks or the infection is severe, go back to your GP, who may refer you for specialist treatment.

Specialist referral may also be needed for gingivostomatitis if you're pregnant or have a weakened immune system.

Visit your GP if you have a newborn baby who develops gingivostomatitis, as they may also need to be referred for specialist treatment. The GP may prescribe antiviral tablets if your cold sores are very large, painful or keep coming back. Newborn babies, pregnant women and people with a weakened immune system may be referred to hospital for advice or treatment.

Once you have the virus, it stays in your skin for the rest of your life. Sometimes it causes a cold sore.

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Most people are exposed to the virus when they're young after close contact with someone who has a cold sore. It doesn't usually cause any symptoms until you're older.



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You won't know if it's in your skin unless you get a cold sore. Skip to main content.

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Symptoms Possible cause Painful red spot on the face filled with pus spot or boil Blister on the lip or inside the mouth mouth ulcer Red sores or blisters on the face that become crusty, golden-brown patches impetigo. Important Don't kiss babies if you have a cold sore. Do eat cool, soft foods use an antiseptic mouthwash if it hurts to brush your teeth wash your hands with soap and water before and after applying cream avoid anything that triggers your cold sores use sunblock lip balm SPF 15 or above if sunshine is the trigger take paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease pain and swelling liquid paracetamol is available for children — don't give aspirin to children under 16 drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration wash your hands with soap and water before and after applying cream.

Don't do not eat acidic or salty food do not touch your cold sore apart from applying cream do not rub cream into the cold sore — dab it on instead do not kiss anyone while you have a cold sore do not share anything that comes into contact with a cold sore such as cold sore creams, cutlery or lipstick do not have oral sex until your cold sore completely heals — the cold sore virus also causes genital herpes.