What is Cold Sore (Herpes)?
Herpes simplex infection (Cold Sore, Herpes); It is a viral infection that can develop in almost any part of the body and progresses with the formation of clear fluid-filled blisters and then crusted wounds.
How Does Cold Sore (Herpes) Occur?
The first disease occurs when the causative virus first enters the body, then settles in the nerve roots and remains silent and makes repetitive attacks when suitable conditions occur. The symptoms of the first attack appear within 3 weeks after the contact with the infected person and heal within 7-10 days. In this condition, which is mostly seen in children, symptoms such as common fluid-filled blisters in the mouth, fever and restlessness are observed. Recurrent attacks are milder than the initial infection.
Where Does Cold Sore (Herpes) Occur?
It most commonly occurs on the lips, around the mouth, nose and chin and heals within 5-7 days with the drying of fluid-filled blisters and crusting.
What Factors Facilitate Cold Sore (Herpes)?
These are;
- Stress, excitement, trauma,
- Conditions that reduce body resistance such as fatigue and insomnia,
- Colds, flu, febrile illnesses,
- Situations in which the immune system is suppressed such as AIDS, cancer, organ transplantation,
- Excessive sun exposure, ultraviolet rays.
How is Cold Sore (Herpes) Transmitted?
The disease is often transmitted by people who carry the virus within the family and close friends, in infancy and childhood period. The disease is transmitted from person to person by kissing, using the same spoon or towel.
How is Cold Sore (Herpes) Diagnosed?
The typical clinical picture of the disease is sufficient to make the diagnosis. If your doctor deems it necessary, he or she may perform viral lesion culture, smear, special microscopic examinations and some blood tests.
How is Cold Sore (Herpes) Treated?
Depending on the severity of the disease, antiviral creams or systemic drugs are used in the treatment. It is important to start using the drugs within the first 1-2 days of the onset of the disease. In patients with frequent relapses, suppression therapy can be applied for 6 months to 1 year.
How to Prevent Cold Sore (Herpes) Infection?
There is no vaccine yet to prevent the disease and contagiousness. The most important method to prevent contamination is prevention. Contact with the diseased area should be avoided, kissing and the use of shared materials should be avoided.
