Winter and the cold season bring several illnesses, and one of them is the cold sore. Due to the cold weather, cold sores are on the rise. Up to 90% of people around the world have at least one form of HSV. To understand more about this and bring you a detailed analysis, The Pioneer’s Tejal Sinha connected with experts, who explained to us what these cold sores are, how they are infected, and more.
For many of us, cold weather conjures images of warm drinks, cosy blankets, and medicines. No surprise, we are more prone to getting sick in the cooler months.While colds, flu, and other respiratory illnesses are more common in the colder months, another viral infection that’s on the rise is cold sores. Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are a common viral infection. They are tiny, fluid-filled blisters on and around your lips.These blisters are often grouped together in patches. After the blisters break, a scab forms that can last several days. Cold sores usually heal in two to three weeks, mostly without leaving a scar.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, most cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).
Dr. Haritha Madhala, associate professor, oral medicine department, Meghana Institute of Dental Sciences, Nizamabad, shared, “Once you’ve had a cold sore, it’s likely you will have more over the course of your life. That’s because cold sores are caused by a virus known as herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). After you get an HSV infection, the virus travels to nearby nerve cells, where it can lie dormant for long periods of time. When triggered, the virus can start replicating again, causing another cold sore. It can be hard to predict what triggers a cold sore, and they might seem to appear at the worst times. People can get HSV-1 by kissing or touching someone with cold sores, or by sharing eating utensils, towels, or other items with an infected person.”
HSV-1 is mainly transmitted through contact with the virus in sores, saliva, or surfaces in or around the mouth. Less commonly, HSV-1 can be transmitted to the genital area through oral-genital contact and cause genital herpes. It can be transmitted from oral or skin surfaces that appear normal; however, the greatest risk of transmission is when there are active sores. People who already have HSV-1 are not at risk of reinfection, but they are still at risk of acquiring HSV-2. HSV-2 is mainly transmitted during sex through contact with genital or anal surfaces, skin, sores, or fluids of someone infected with the virus. HSV-2 can be transmitted even if the skin looks normal and is often transmitted in the absence of symptoms.
Explaining in detail, Dr. Monalisa Sahu, Consultant Infectious Diseases, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, shared, “Cold sores are tiny, fluid filled blisters that usually occur on and around the lips. They mostly occur in small groups of vesicles, which may together appear as small patches, around the mouth. Rarely, they may occur around the nose, cheeks, or inside of the mouth. They are also known as oral herpes, herpes labialis, or fever blisters.
They are caused by viruses, namely the Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV-1) and, less commonly, the Herpes Simplex Virus type 2 (HSV-2). The HSV-2 usually involves the genitals, and the HSV-1 generally involves the oral regions, but either can cause lesions in the other sites as well.”
Now, you might wonder, who is at high risk of being infected by the virus? People of all ages can become infected with the virus that causes cold sores. Many people are exposed to the virus during childhood.
“Most adults carry the virus that causes cold sores, even if they’ve never had
symptoms. You’re most at risk of complications from the virus if you have a weakened immune system from conditions and treatments such as: HIV/AIDS,” shared Dr. Sunil Kumar Prabhu, senior dermatologist and aesthetic physician, Aster RV Hospital.
Seconding Dr. Sunil, Dr. Monalisa shared, “Almost everyone is at risk of developing cold sores, as most individuals harbour the virus causing the cold sores in a latent state in their nerve cells, even if they may not have had any manifestations at any time. Recurrences are usually triggered by viral fevers, stressful conditions, changes in the immune system, or even excessive fatigue. Hormonal changes during menstruation and pregnancy can sometimes trigger recurrences.
It is usually spread by close contact and oral sex during the active stage of the lesions, as the oozing fluid is the most contagious. Sharing utensils, razors, towels, and other articles at times of active lesions can also sometimes cause the spread. Keeping your hands clean, avoiding close contact like kissing, and avoiding sharing items during active lesions can help contain the spread of the disease.”
For most people, cold sores are not serious. The viruses that cause cold sores can cause more serious illnesses, though. People who have a weak immune system may get more serious infections from herpes viruses. A consultation with a doctor for cold sores is essential if the symptoms are severe, are not healing within 2 weeks, are causing eye irritation, or are having frequent recurrences.
It is best to consult a doctor as soon as possible in cases of extreme age, such as in small children, infants, and elderly populations with lesions. If the lesions involve sites other than the oral cavity, early consultation should be sought. Cold sores can spread to other parts of the body and become severe in people who have eczema or atopic dermatitis. If you have a weakened immune system or are having any immunodeficiency disorders, are on cancer chemotherapy drugs, or are an organ transplant recipient, the symptoms may be severe, and you need an early consultation with the doctor.
If you are currently suffering from any of these extreme cold sore symptoms, contact your doctor immediately:
.You’re not sure if it’s a cold sore or something else.
.You have a weakened immune system.
.Your cold sore doesn’t heal within two weeks
.Your symptoms are severe or atypical.
.Your cold sores come back frequently.
The cold sores usually begin with a sensation of burning, tingling, and itching around the mouth and progress within 1 or 2 days to form small groups of blisters that are fluid-filled. These blisters then merge together and burst to discharge fluid, and the oozing leads to a shallow ulcer and scab formation. The scabs may take 2–3 weeks to fall off without leaving a scar.
Cold sores usually clear up without treatment within 7 to 10 days. Antiviral tablets or creams can be used to ease your symptoms and speed up the healing time.“If it’s a first episode of the cold sore, it may take longer to heal, with the symptoms lasting up to a few weeks. Fever, sore throat, myalgia, painful gums, and even swollen neck nodes are all possible symptoms. Recurrences tend to occur at the same site as previous episodes, and the duration of the lesions is shorter, so they are likely to be less severe,” Dr. Monalisa explained.
