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Pharmacy Care provides information about self-care, that is how to treat minor medical conditions with products available at the pharmacy. Find out how your pharmacist can help you to manage minor conditions yourself.
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Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex type 1 virus. Most people carry this virus in their bodies, but not everyone will get cold sores.
People usually become infected with the virus during childhood. After a usually mild (or unnoticed) infection, the virus then lies dormant (inactive) in the nerves until it is reactivated and causes a cold sore.
Cold sores are usually found on or around the lips or nose, but they may occur anywhere on the body. They often appear in the same place each time.
Cold sores are easily spread from person to person, especially when the sore is still weeping. They can be spread by kissing and sharing towels.
Common triggers that can cause the virus to reactivate include:
having a cold or the flu
exposure to bright sunlight
emotional stress or being ‘run down’ or unwell
menstruation
operations on the face or dental work
minor damage or injury to an area affected by cold sores in the past
When the virus is reactivated it travels down the nerve to your skin, where it multiplies. This often causes a tingling feeling in the area, which can be a warning sign a cold sore is about to appear. Other warning signs may include burning, itching or numbness. These signs may appear within a few hours to a couple of days before the blisters develop.
As the virus multiplies it causes small red spots, before the blisters appear. The blisters then burst and merge into a weeping sore, which gradually dries up and scabs over. Cold sores usually clear up within seven to 10 days and do not usually leave a scar. After the sore has healed, the virus lies dormant in the nerve again until the next attack is triggered. Recurrence can be common and depends on individual trigger factors.
Cold sores are usually mild and clear up without treatment. They can sometimes become infected with bacteria, especially if you touch or pick them with your hands. However, they can cause more serious problems in someone with a weakened immune system, such as after chemotherapy or due to HIV infection. These people may need treatment with antiviral tablets.
Very rarely, facial cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex type 2 virus, which is responsible for genital herpes.
See Your Pharmacist or Medical Professional
if the cold sore is in or near your eyes
if the cold sore is in your mouth, on your hands or in your genital area
if the cold sore is larger than a 10 cent piece
if you also have a fever and feel tired
if it is a child who is affected. Cold sores are not commonly seen in children, and it may be another condition such as impetigo
if there is pus, redness and swelling in or around the cold sore
if the cold sore has not healed after 14 days
if you suffer from cold sores frequently
if you have a weakened immune system
Treatment Tips
treat the cold sore early; have treatment ready to use at the first tingle
use sunscreen on the affected area if you find the virus is reactivated by sun exposure
wash your hands before and after touching the cold sore, or applying cream to it
be especially careful to avoid spreading the cold sore to your eyes
avoid kissing or sharing towels, face flannels or eating and drinking utensils
do not share your cold sore cream with other people
do not pick the scab off; this may cause infection or scarring
if you are pregnant or breastfeeding not all products will be suitable; check with your pharmacist
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