Cold sores are a common contagious condition caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus. Up to 67% of people are infected with the virus. 1 out of 4 has multiple outbreaks per year. The cause is difficult to treat, but you can try to keep the discomfort within limits.
Therefore: what are the triggers that can activate the herpes virus? And what can you do best to prevent a cold sore outbreak? SoreFix offers both a solution to treat and prevent cold sores.
Cold sores are also known as fever blisters. Usually these are formed on the lips or around the mouth. Cold sores are the most common viral infection and are caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus – type 1 (HSV – 1). Once you have been infected by the HSV-1 virus, you will carry the virus for the rest of your life.
The cold sore is a fluid-filled blister that causes the skin to swell and appear red. The blisters are usually painful. When these blisters fill with fluid, the first layer is very sensitive. As a result, rubbing/scouring over it can lead to a nasty infection. If the cold sore lip balm is applied in time, the chance of a scar is small.
In most cases, the blisters tend to come back. Unlike most viruses, the HSV-1 enters your body and never leaves your body. Usually the virus is not active. When the virus does become active, you get a cold sore.
The Herpes Simplex Virus
Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus. The herpes simplex virus usually enters the body through damaged skin around or in the mouth. There are 2 types of herpes simplex viruses: HSV-1 and HSV-2. Both viruses can cause ulcers around the mouth and genitals. Cold sores are usually caused by HSV-1. HSV-2 is the cause of genital herpes, SoreFix is not suitable for the treatment of genital herpes. Consult your doctor for this.
Usually the virus is not active. When the virus does become active, you get a cold sore. A highly contagious skin infection caused by a bacteria. SoreFix is not suitable for the treatment of impetigo.
How is the Herpes Simplex Virus spread?
The virus is spread when someone touches the cold sore or the fluid from the blister. For example, sharing cutlery, cups, razor blades or kissing a person infected with HSV-1 virus or coming into contact with his/her spittle. Children get often infected via this way.
CAUSES COLD SORES
Cold sores are painful infections caused by the herpes simplex virus. For example, you can get the virus through the hands, contact such as kissing and by drinking from the same glass as someone with a cold sore. Once you are infected by the virus, you will carry the virus for the rest of your life. Usually the virus is not active. When the virus does become active, you get a cold sore.
Cold sore triggers
To prevent cold sores, try to avoid the triggers that activate the virus. Most people know when a cold sore is lurking. There are several triggers for activating a cold sore (the herpes simplex virus), these vary per person. The most common triggers are:
Fatigue
Low immune system
Illness such as fever, cold etc.
Cold weather
Exposure to intense sunlight
Monthly period
Dry or chapped lips
Stress
Prevent cold sores?
Not everyone’s cold sore outbreak is triggered by the same trigger. Cold sore triggers vary from person to person. Try to identify what may cause your cold sore outbreaks and avoid an outbreak by using SoreFix Prevent cold sore lip balm.
COLD SORE SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of a cold sore can be very annoying. You can often divide the period of the cold sore into different phases. It often starts with a tingling in the lip. You feel itching, pain or a burning sensation. Subsequently, the affected skin becomes red (erythema) and small, round pimples (papules) develop. Finally, the cold sore develops in such a way that blisters form and can burst open. The cold sore is surrounded by red and inflamed skin.
The 4 phases of a cold sore
There are 4 stages in a cold sore life cycle. The Herpes Simplex Virus is contagious at every stage. The duration of all phases together is about 7 to 10 days, but sometimes 2 weeks or longer. Consult a doctor if a cold sore lasts longer than 14 days.
Phase 1 (day 1-2) The tingling phase
The first symptoms are often: tingling, pain, itching or a burning sensation. They can last for several hours. The affected skin becomes red (erythema) and small, round pimples (papules) develop. In this phase the infection is contagious, avoid physical contact.
Phase 2 (day 2-4) The blister phase
A group of fluid-filled blisters forms, surrounded by a red inflamed base. The blisters are filled with viruses and fluid. The body’s defense system begins to fight the infection.
Phase 3 (day 4-5) The ulcer phase
The blisters may burst and some fluid may leak out. The cold sore is surrounded by inflamed skin (red and swollen). This is the most contagious stage.
Phase 4 (> 5 days) The healing phase
The sore dries out and a scab forms. The scab gets smaller. Painful cracks may develop and may bleed. There may also be itching and/or a burning sensation. The pain and the spread of the virus are diminishing. The cold sore heals. The scab comes off and the skin underneath may be pink, dry, and scaly. Sometimes the skin is still slightly swollen.
COLD SORE TREATMENT
Cold sores can be very annoying and painful. The cause is difficult to treat, but you can try to keep the discomfort within limits.
SoreFix Prevent Cold Sore Balm contains an SPF30 and nourishing oils + Vitamin E. It creates a protective layer, so that the causes of cold sores have less chance.
SoreFix Rescue Cold Sore Cream is a unique cold sore product, based on a patented formulation of zinc in a greasy cream. This improves the functioning and reduces the spread of the cold sore virus. Up to 2 days shorter!
If you have a cold sore, the infection goes through four stages over 7 to 10 days. But sometimes it even takes two weeks or more. Consult a doctor if a cold sore lasts longer than 14 days. SoreFix works in every phase of the cold sore:
The cold sore virus is inactive
The herpes simplex virus is inactive. SoreFix Prevent blocks triggers and improves lip condition.
Tingling
The first tingling can be felt, but the cold sore is not yet visible. SoreFix Rescue relieves the tingling.
Lip blisters A group of fluid-filled blisters forms. SoreFix Rescue reduces blisters.
Open blisters
The blisters may burst and fluid may leak out. This is the most contagious stage. SoreFix Rescue dries out the blisters and shortens recovery period.
Scabs
Finally, the blisters dry out and a scab forms. SoreFix Rescue prevents the scab from cracking.
COLD SORE AND BABIES
Cold sores can be dangerous for a baby. Prevent a baby from coming into contact with your cold sore. Prevent the spread of the virus by washing the baby’s hands well and avoid kissing your baby until the cold sore has disappeared.
Anyone can transmit the virus to a baby through a kiss or a hug.
Most people get the herpes simplex virus during childhood. During a first outbreak, the following symptoms may be seen in a baby:
Blisters at or around the mouth
Pain in the mouth
A fever
Bad drinking
Drowsiness
Inflammation of the gums
A cold sore can be dangerous for a baby. If a baby is less than 3 months old and gets any kind of mouth sore, please consult your physician right away.
Dangers of cold sore and babies
A cold sore can be dangerous to a baby. If a baby is younger than 3 months and it is showing symptoms, it is advised to see a doctor. SoreFix is not suitable for the treatment of cold sore symptoms for babies. Especially with small children the virus can spread easily to other parts of the body.
Try to keep your baby away from touching the cold sore. In fact, to keep him from spreading the infection, wash his/her hands regularly and try to keep them from picking at the cold sore. You may want to put little mittens or socks on the hands while your baby sleeps.
If you have a cold sore, you should avoid kissing your baby (especially with a new-born) until the cold sore goes away. Remember, one peck with an infected lip is all it takes to pass on the herpes simplex virus. You’ll also want to avoid sharing cups and eating utensils while you have a cold sore.
If your child seems prone to cold sores as he gets older, you may want to protect his lips with SoreFix Prevent when exposed to extreme cold or sunlight, which might trigger an outbreak. SoreFix can be used as from 4 years old.
SOREFIX TIPS FOR COLD SORES
Prevent cold sore:
Do’s
Don’ts
Make sure you get enough sleep
Kiss people with a cold sore/when you have a cold sore
Apply the product only to affected areas or vesicles
Share towels, razors, glasses etc. with a person that has a cold sore
Be careful when applying or removing makeup
Be extra careful with contacts (clean hands)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are cold sores contagious?
Yes! Cold sores are contagious. Especially if you have open blisters. The fluid contains the Herpes Simplex virus. You can then easily give the virus to other people and spread it throughout your own body. Once the sores have dried out, you can no longer transmit the virus.
There are 4 stages in a cold sore life cycle. The Herpes Simplex Virus is contagious at every stage. The duration of all phases together is about 7 to 10 days, but sometimes 2 weeks or longer. Consult a doctor if a cold sore lasts longer than 14 days.
How long does a cold sore last?
If you have a cold sore, the infection goes through four stages over 7 to 10 days. But sometimes it even takes two weeks or more. Consult a doctor if a cold sore lasts longer than 14 days.
What should I do if I am pregnant and have a cold sore?
A cold sore is a local infection and therefore not harmful to your unborn baby. If you get a cold sore while you’re nearing your due date, you should be careful. Cold sores can be very dangerous for a newborn.
What should I do when my baby has a cold sore?
To prevent cold sores, try to avoid the triggers that activate the virus. The triggers are outside influences. Most people know when a cold sore is lurking. There are several triggers for activating a cold sore (the herpes simplex virus), these vary per person.
When should I go to the doctor for cold sores?
We recommend that you contact your doctor if the cold sore has not improved after two weeks of treatment with SoreFix.
How can SoreFix help me with a cold sore?
SoreFix has products to treat and prevent cold sores. The SoreFix Rescue Cold Sore Cream shortens the duration and reduces the symptoms of a cold sore. To prevent cold sores, use SoreFix Prevent Cold Sore Balm which forms a physical barrier and protects the lips from triggers.