Cold Sores are caused by the HSV1 virus (Herpes Simplex Virus 1) and are part of the family that causes sores on the nether regions, they are however not an STD! They reside around the nerves and skin of the infected area. HSV1 is very common and it is believed that over 90% of adults have been exposed to this virus.
Symptoms
There are 5 distinct stages of coldsores:
Prodome (early symptoms) Stage – You will notice the tingling sensation in the infected area, with slight redness and inflammation. I usually skip this stage as I am sleeping and wake up very suddenly running to a mirror to be pleasantly surprised by a group of small blisters!
Blister Stage – Small fluid filled bilsters will form, often clumping together to form one larger blister.
Ulcer Stage – Also refered to as the weeping stage, this is when the blisters burst and they are the most contagious. Generally I don’t wait for my blisters to burst, I squeeze them before and apply alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to dry them out as quickly as possible.
Crusting Stage – Either from leaving your blisters to dry out naturally or FORCING them to dry out, a scab will form and is a good indication that you are over the worst part of the cold sore, until another appears simultaneously somewhere else on your lip! But eventually your lip will heal, as like any other sore. It’s been noted that scarring seldom occurs, I’ve never noticed scarring before, I’m not sure if it is because I’m getting older but I’m starting to see traces of were previous cold sores have occurred.
How contagious are cold sores?
Apparently cold sores are very contagious as almost the entire population has been exposed to them, however there is this 10% that haven’t been exposed to the virus, that if they had could develop symptoms. So therefore you should practice better hygiene when you do have an outbreak, especially around children as they are more susceptible to this virus.
The most common way for this virus to spread is human to human contact, this virus has to be in ideal conditions (the human body) in order for it to survive. The virus on an inanimate object can only survive for a couple seconds, as it is very volatile in oxygen rich environments.
Regarding your partners, he or she will be exposed to this virus regardless of weather you have an outbreak or not, and this happens through shedding, the virus is passed on without any symptoms.
One thing that I am a bit confused about, is that cold sores apparently can be spread to other parts of the body. I’m not saying this isn’t true, but for me personally, I have certain areas on my lip where I get cold sores, the same areas since I was a kid, no where else. I have never had a cold sore on my lower lip. When I do have a cold sore, I’m always touching them to feel how “bad” they are, and have hence gotten into this habit with playing with my lips, cold sores being as contagious as they are I should have definitely spread them?
Cold Sores Triggers
There are many triggers that can cause an outbreak, be it too much sun exposure, weakened immune system, stress. For me the worst triggers are stress, and falling ill with a cold or the flu. With regards to sun exposure, I always try and use lip balm with an SPF of 15 or higher.
I will be experimenting with other triggers, such as artificial sweetners and foods high in Arginine while on BHT to to see if an outbreak does occur. Currently I'm still going strong! No outbreaks as of yet.
