Is Cold Sore And Herpes The Same Thing

Herpes Myths Vs Facts

Herpes Myth: Only certain sorts of people get herpes.

Fact about herpes: No, it is very common and anyone who has ever had sex can get genital herpes. It’s not about being clean, dirty, good or bad it’s about being normal and sexually active.

Herpes Myth: Herpes isn’t that common, and I am unlikely to get it.

Fact about herpes: Herpes is very common and may be caused by both herpes simplex type 1 and herpes simplex type 2 . HSV-1 causes “cold sores” on the mouth, and up to 80% of the population has this virus. However, it may also be transmitted to the genitals through oral-genital sex and about 40% of genital herpes is caused by HSV-1. Up to 22% of sexually active adults have genital herpes caused by HSV-2. Most people with herpes will not have symptoms and therefore will not be aware they have it. 75% of people who have genital herpes get it from partners who are entirely unaware that they have it themselves.

Herpes Myth: Herpes “cold sores” on the mouth are not the same as genital herpes.

Fact about herpes: Cold sores on the mouth or face are caused by HSV-1 and are commonly transmitted to the genitals through oral-to-genital sex. Up to 40% of genital herpes is caused by HSV-1.

Herpes Myth: Herpes can only affect the genital area.

Herpes Myth: People always know if they have genital herpes.

Fact about herpes: No, 80% of those with genital herpes do not know they have it, as they may have no or very mild symptoms.

Herpes Myth: People with herpes are always infectious.

What Causes Cold Sores

The herpes simplex virus type 1 causes cold sores. This is a different from herpes simplex virus type 2 . HSV-2 causes lesions in the genital area called genital herpes. Even though HSV-1 typically causes sores around the mouth and HSV-2 causes genital sores, these viruses can cause sores in either place.

What Is The Treatment For Cold Sores

Cold sores usually go away without any type of treatment in 2-4 weeks. However, several kinds of prescription antiviral drugs are available that may speed up the process of healing. Some examples are: Acyclovir , Famciclovir , Valacyclovir , Penciclovir . These medicines are available either in the form of pills or creams. You may require an injection of an antiviral drug if the infection is severe.

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Location Matters When Figuring Out If Its A Cold Sore Or A Canker Sore

The location of these lesions is another way to determine a cold sore from a canker sore. Canker sores develop on the mucous membranes inside the mouth. Therefore, youre more likely to find these sores on the skin inside the cheeks and lips, on your soft palate, and on your tongue.

Cold sores, on the other hand, dont usually appear inside the mouth, although this is possible when you are first exposed to the virus, which is usually as a child younger than age 5. Instead, cold sores often develop on or around the lips.

They can also form on other parts of the body, such as the cheeks and around the nose. Some people get cold sores around the eyes.

What Causes A Cold Sore Outbreak

Cold sores are caused by a variety of physical and mental triggers, including:

• Changing hormone levels
• A weakened immune system
• Exposure to inclement weather or direct sunlight
• Injury or trauma

Cold sores typically develop on the surface of your lips, as opposed to aphthous ulcerations which are small bumps that grow on the inside of your mouth. If you have HSV-1, you can be asymptomatic. That means the virus is present in your body, but its not currently causing any symptoms. The virus lies dormant in your nerve cells until something triggers an outbreak. However, some people who have HSV never even have a single outbreak.

As for how long cold sores are contagious, this is typically up to 15 days. Once your scab comes off, the cold sore scar isnt contagious.

Remember never to pop a cold sore blister either. While it may be tempting, doing so can cause scarring and even spread your cold sore to others.

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What Gets Rid Of Cold Sores Fast

Cold sores are painful, unsightly sores that usually pop up around your mouth. They are caused by a virus called the herpes simplex virus . The sores arent dangerous but they are uncomfortable. You can also pass them to other people easily.

Learn more about cold sores and how to get rid of them fast.

How Are Cold Sores And Herpes Diagnosed

There is no single test that can definitively diagnose cold sores or genital herpes. Instead, doctors typically rely on a combination of physical examination and medical history.

For example, a doctor may ask about any recent episodes of fever or flu-like symptoms. They will also usually examine the affected area for signs of blister formation. In some cases, a skin culture or PCR test may also be conducted in order to confirm the presence of the virus.

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How Long Will A Fever Blister On My Lip Last

A blister or cold sore on your lip may take up to two weeks to fully heal. Symptoms normally begin with a tingling, itching or burning sensation. It later develops into a blister, may weep clear fluid and then scab over.v You can reduce the healing to just a few days using Abreva® Cream when used at the first sign.

How Can I Help Prevent Cold Sores In My Child

If someone in your household has herpes simplex, you can protect your child by making sure he or she is not exposed. Keep in mind that the virus may be in saliva even when there are no cold sores. Tell your child not to kiss, share cups or utensils, or share washcloths or towels with the person. Tell your child not to touch a cold sore.

If your child has a cold sore, make sure he or she does not:

• Touch or rub the cold sore

The healthcare provider may advise keeping your child home from school during the first infection of herpes simplex virus.

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Complications And Risk Factors Associated With Cold Sores

In some cases, the herpes virus can spread to the eyes, causing ocular herpes, or herpes keratitis. Symptoms can include discharge or a âgrittyâ feeling. Without treatment, ocular herpes can cause scarring in the eye and affect vision.

In people who have a weakened immune system due to cancer or HIV infection, oral herpes can cause a systemic infection.

When To See A Doctor

If you think you may have a cold sore or herpes, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. This is because both conditions can be contagious and may require treatment. In addition, some people may experience complications from either virus, so it is important to get medical help if you are experiencing any symptoms.

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How Do You Prevent Outbreaks

Itâs tough to hold them off entirely, but there are things you can do to help keep them at bay. Learn what your triggers are and avoid them. Stay out of the sun, or use sunscreen and UV-blocking lip balm. Figure out what works to manage your stress. Keep your immune system healthy with plenty of sleep and daily exercise.

You Can Get Genital Herpes From Someone Who Has Oral Herpes

While the two types of herpes generally stay in their genital or oral place, oral-to-genital transmission of HSV-1 is possible. To prevent spread, the American Sexual Health Association recommends abstaining from oral contact, like kissing and oral sex, while experiencing an HSV-1 outbreak, aka cold sores or fever blisters. Otherwise, using a barrier, like a dental dam or a condom, can limit exposure as well.

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Complications Of Cold Sores

Cold sores are usually mild, but may cause complications in rare cases. People with weak immune systems caused by illness or treatments such as chemotherapy are particularly at risk of complications.

If the infection affects the mouth or throat, dehydration sometimes occurs if drinking fluids becomes painful. Young children are particularly at risk of becoming dehydrated.

Why Doesn’t Everyone Get Them

About two-thirds of us have been infected with the HSV-1 virus. It usually comes via well-meaning kisses from relatives or romantic partners. So why do only an unlucky few get cold sores? The answer may be in your genes. Most of the people who get cold sores share genes that may relate to how HSV-1 acts in your body. This could be what causes outbreaks.

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Hsv Infection Is Very Common

Around 90 per cent of adults have herpes simplex antibodies in their bloodstream, which means that they have been infected with the virus at some time. However, the first infection does not usually cause any symptoms. One-third of infected people experience cold sores, which are a recurrence of the earlier infection and do not indicate recent infection. Most of these people would not have experienced symptoms from the first infection.

Check If It’s A Cold Sore

A cold sore usually starts with a tingling, itching or burning feeling.

Over the next 48 hours:

Cold sores should start to heal within 10 days, but are contagious and may be irritating or painful while they heal.

Some people find that certain things trigger a cold sore, such as another illness, sunshine or menstrual periods.

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Cold Sores Main Symptoms

Cold sores are very common. They are caused by a virus that moves from person to person by touch. You dont need to be showing symptoms to transmit the virus.

The sores themselves are the main symptom, though some people say they feel a tingling sensation before the sores appear.

The main signs of the virus that causes colds sores include:

• Mouth sores: HSV-1 causes painful sores around the mouth. They look like blisters at first. After a while, they burst and crust over. It can take a week to 10 days for the sores to clear up.
• Other sores: You can get sores that are like cold sores anywhere on your body. Like the sores on the mouth, they start as painful blisters then dry up and heal over time.
• Flu-like symptoms: During a cold sore outbreak, you might feel symptoms similar to a flu, such as fever, tiredness, or body aches

What Are The Symptoms Of Cold Sores And Herpes

The first time you have symptoms of either HSV-1 or HSV-2 called a primary infection you may experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and muscle aches in addition to the telltale sores.

For people with HSV-1, these symptoms usually appear within 2 to 12 days after coming into contact with the virus. People with HSV-2 may have no symptoms at all during primary infection or may experience flu-like symptoms 4 to 7 days after exposure to the virus.

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What Does A Fever Blister On Your Lip Look Like

A fever blister on your lip will appear as a small area of red, inflamed skin that may feel sore. A blister will then form, and may break apart and weep clear liquid. After a few days, the fever blister will be covered by hard crusts or scabs. More than one blister is likely, with fever blisters often grouped together in patches. Fever blisters heal without leaving a scar.

Treatment For Cold Sores Vs Genital Herpes

While its not possible to cure cold sores caused by HSV-1, there are several options to help manage symptoms of your cold sores. You may receive pain medication such as lidocaine as a topical treatment for reducing pain and irritation from a doctor.

Wearing SPF 30 sunscreen on your lips can also help shield your cold sores from irritation and reduce burning sensations in the affected area.

If youre prone to chronic cold sore flare-ups, a doctor may recommend an antiviral medication such as valacyclovir or famciclovir.

For genital herpes, you can use ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain. You can also apply lukewarm or cool cloths to the area, or take a lukewarm bath. Make sure you keep the area clean and dry afterwards and opt for cotton briefs and loose-fitting clothing. To treat genital herpes, however, youd use antiviral medication the same ones youd use for cold sores. These help your body manage the infection, reduce the duration of the outbreak, decrease pain, itching, and also reduce genital herpes transmission.

As for how long it takes for treatment to work for cold sores vs.genital herpes, both antiviral medications listed above can be used for cold sores or genital herpes and their timeline is the same. They can take between seven to 10 days to work, but you may feel relief sooner than that.

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What Is The Difference Between Canker Sores And Cold Sores

Is a canker sore the same as a cold sore? Whatâs the difference?

Cold sores are caused by the herpes virus and are usually found on the outside of the mouth. Canker sores are only found inside the mouth and have a variety of causes, including:

• Injury to the inside of the mouth
• Use of toothpaste or mouthwash that contains sodium lauryl sulfate
• Conditions that affect your immune system like lupus or inflammatory bowel disease
• A reaction to certain foods like nuts, chocolate, or spicy foods

Canker sores are usually round or oval and white or yellow. They typically go away on their own within a week or two. For large or especially painful canker sores, or ones that donât go away within a couple of weeks, talk to a doctor about treatment options.

How Do You Get Herpes

The skin on your genitals, mouth, and eyes can be infected easily. Other areas of skin may get infected if theres a way for the herpes virus to get in, like through a cut, burn, rash, or other sores. You dont have to have sex to get herpes. Sometimes herpes can be passed in non-sexual ways, like if a parent with a cold sore gives you a peck on the lips. Most people with oral herpes got it when they were kids. A mother can pass genital herpes to a baby during vaginal childbirth, but thats pretty rare.

You can spread herpes to other parts of your body if you touch a herpes sore and then touch your mouth, genitals, or eyes without washing your hands first. You can also pass herpes to someone else this way.

Herpes is most contagious when sores are open and wet, because fluid from herpes blisters easily spreads the virus. But herpes can also shed and get passed to others when there are no sores and your skin looks totally normal.

Most people get herpes from someone who doesnt have any sores. It may live in your body for years without causing any symptoms, so its really hard to know for sure when and how you got it. Thats why so many people have herpes its a pretty sneaky infection.

Because the virus dies quickly outside the body, you cant get herpes from hugging, holding hands, coughing, sneezing, or sitting on toilet seats.

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Oral Herpes Vs Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is typically caused by a different strain of the herpes virus, called HSV-2. Rarely, the HSV-2 virus can spread from the genitals to the mouth during oral sex and cause oral herpes. The reverse is also true: In some cases, HSV-1 can spread from the mouth to the genitals, causing genital herpes.

Herpes And Cold Sore Prevention

If you do not currently have herpes, you can help to prevent it by using the following tips:

• Avoid intimate contact, including kissing, with anyone who has a cold sore.
• Avoid performing oral sex on someone who has genital sores.
• Dont share any of the following items with someone who has a cold sore:

If you have a herpes infection and want to avoid future outbreaks, use these tips for preventing cold sores:

• Protect your lips with an SPF lip balm and wear sunscreen.
• Get enough rest to avoid fatigue.
• Try to stay healthy and avoid stress.

Be sure to wash your hands frequently and avoid intimate contact if youre currently experiencing an outbreak to prevent the spread of the virus to others.

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What Are Possible Complications Of Cold Sores In A Child

In most children, cold sores don’t cause serious illness. In some cases, the herpes simplex virus can cause inflammation of the brain . This is a serious illness and needs to be treated right away. It can lead to long-term problems of the brain.

Cold sores in a newborn baby can cause serious illness and death. This may be the case even when treated with medicine.

One Option For Ongoing Therapy: Taking Drugs Regularly

Some people with genital herpes choose to take antiviral medication daily to reduce the number of symptom outbreaks they have. In some cases, daily therapy prevents outbreaks completely.

Numerous studies over the years have demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of all three of the approved antivirals used to treat genital herpes.

Studies have also shown that daily antiviral therapy reduces the rate of transmission from an HSV-2 infected person to an uninfected partner of the opposite sex.

Daily therapy also lowers the odds of infecting other people if you have multiple sex partners or if you are a man who has sex with men.

The drugs work both for people who have had herpes symptoms and for those whose blood tests show they have an HSV-2 infection but who have never had symptoms.

Some people choose to take antiviral drugs only as needed, for outbreaks that occur after the first one. For this to work, you need to start taking the medicine within one day of sores cropping up or during the time period that comes before some outbreaks.

During the prodrome, you may feel

• Burning in the area where the virus first entered your body
• Itching or tingling in that area
• Pain in your back, buttocks, thighs, or knees

Your doctor will probably give you a prescription you can fill and keep handy for timely use, and tell you to start taking the drugs just as soon as symptoms begin.

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