What are Cold Sores?
They are the consequence of a viral infection normally in childhood. They generally appear on the lips and nostrils but can be more widespread.

How do you catch them?
From directly touching a cold sore, from kissing and from sharing common household objects such as towels, cups and cutlery.

What are the symptoms?
First signs are usually tingling, burning or itching. Within around 24 hours blisters form which can be very painful. In a few days the blisters breakdown into shallow ulcers.

The cold sores are infectious from the early tingling stage up to the end of the ulcer phase. Healing is normally complete in 10 to 14 days.

In children cold sores can become infected with bacteria and develop impetigo.

Why do they keep coming back?
After the first infection, the virus lies dormant in the nerve which supplies the infected area. The virus can be reactivated at any time to cause another cold sore. Various trigger factors are: stress, fatigue, strong sunlight, UV light from sun beds, menstruation or pregnancy and generally when feeling run-down.

Are Cold Sores a serious health problem?
Yes. They can cause eye infection (herpes keratitis) which can lead to blindness, cold sores on the fingers and genital herpes. People with eczema can become very ill if they pick up the virus.

DO'S and DON'T

• Do not touch the Cold Sore
• Do not touch your eyes during the infection
• Do not kiss (especially children) when you have the infection
• Do not pick the ulcers or the scab. You will infect your fingers with the virus
• Do not share eating/drinking utensils with others, especially children
• Do not share the same towels or face cloths with others in your family
• Do wash your hands very thoroughly if you accidentally touch the Cold Sores.

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