Cold Sores

These are also known as herpes simplex of the mouth, and are the same viruses that cause herpes lesions of the genitals.

What are cold sores?

These are small blisters occurring around the lips. They are caused by a virus called the herpes simplex virus. This virus is distinct from the chicken pox virus.

Cold sores may be itchy or painful but are otherwise harmless. They can be completely eradicated after the first infection of cold sores. They are reactivated some times later when the body's immunity is down.

What you should do?

Prevent superimposed infection. Avoid touching the sores with contaminated fingers or licking them with the tongue. Any secondary infection will cause the sores to flare and delay healing.

Use antiviral agents. Antiviral creams are commonly prescribed to hasten the recovery, although the sores will still heal spontaneously if left untreated.

Prevent spread to other people. Live viruses are abundant on the surface or broken sores. The sharing of cutlery and utensils and kissing, should be avoided as they help transfer the virus from one person to another.
Remedies and alternative medicine treatments.