Cold Sores are caused by viruses called herpes simplex virus (HSV). They cause small blisters or bumps which may appear anywhere on your body. These blisters usually start out red and then turn into black spots. Sometimes they even look like little boils. The most common symptoms include: itching, pain, swelling, burning sensation and fever. The infection spreads through contact with infected skin cells or objects such as towels or clothing worn by someone else who has it.
The first signs of a cold sore are often mild and go away within days. However, if left untreated, they can become very painful and swollen. If you have a cold sore, you might experience these symptoms:
• Painful blisters on your hands or feet. • Swelling and tenderness in your legs or lower back. • Aching joints, muscles and bones. • Chills when standing around outside in the wintertime. • Headaches.
• Nausea and vomiting.
If you have a cold sore, it’s best to keep them covered with socks and pants so they don’t itch anymore! You can try using an ice pack or rubbing alcohol on the area to relieve the pain. If you’re really desperate, you could try taking ibuprofen or Tylenol.
Once the virus enters your body, you become infected. The virus travels to your nerve cells and stays there forever. Over time, it may reactivate and come back as symptoms such as a cold sore. Most of the time people with the virus have no or few symptoms. Even if you never get a cold sore, you can still pass the virus to other people.
Cold sores happen when you are run down or come in contact with something that weakens your immunity. An injury to the skin is also a common reason for getting cold sores. Sunburn may cause a cold sore to appear, or it may trigger an outbreak of one that is already there.
These can be tough to get rid of and may even become chronic, coming back every now and then even when you feel healthy.
Sources & references used in this article:
What’s the Quickest Way to Heal a Cold Sore Blister or Scab? by WAIGC Sores – coldsorescured.com
Get Rid of Cold Sores Faster by Popping Them Updated on March 12, 2019 by TYW Need – patientslounge.com
Wound botulism from heroin skin popping by LE Davis, MK King – Current neurology and neuroscience reports, 2008 – Springer
Having a good cry: Effeminate feelings and pop-culture forms by RR Warhol – 2003 – books.google.com
