How Are Cold Sores Spread?

How Are Cold Sores Spread? 

Sometimes referred to as fever blisters, cold sores are common viral infections that create fluid-filled blisters which often appear around the lips. Cold sores are caused by herpes-simplex virus, or HSV. They are spread through physical contact including kissing, touching, sharing food, and oral sex. Cold sores are contagious from the moment they appear and usually last for no more than 15 days. In this article we discuss cold sores and treatment for cold sores. We also answer the questions what are cold sores, what are they caused by, and how long are they contagious for?

What Are Cold Sores?

Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are small, fluid-filled blisters that appear around the lips. They are a common viral infection; more than half of the United States population has been infected with a virus that causes cold sores during their lifetime. 

Cold sore blisters are often grouped together in small patches. After these blisters break, scabs form. Cold sores usually disappear in two or three weeks and rarely leave any permanent marks. 

What Are Cold Sores Caused By?

Cold sores are caused by strains of the herpes-simplex virus (HSV). HSV can be transferred by kissing someone who has the virus, engaging in oral sex, or sharing utensils, towels, and razors with a virus carrier. Herpes-simplex virus is very common; around 90 percent of adults in the United States have HSV antibodies in their bloodstream. Roughly one-third of those infected with herpes-simplex virus see cold sores appear on their body at some point during infection. 

How Are Cold Sores Spread?

More often than not, cold sores are spread through skin-to-skin contact. They can also be transferred through shared items such as lipstick or chapstick. Cold sores can be spread in a few different ways. These include:

  • Kissing someone who has a cold sore. 
  • Sharing lipstick, chapstick, or another item that usually comes in contact with the lips or mouth. 
  • Engaging in oral sex with someone who has cold sores or an outbreak of genetial herpes. 
  • Touching your cold sore and then touching another part of the body. 
  • Physical contact with someone who has recently touched their own cold sores. 

How Long Are Cold Sores Contagious For?

Cold sores are contagious from the minute you begin to feel a tingling sensation. Typically, they remain contagious for about 15 days, however, they may remain contagious for even longer. You can usually tell if cold sores are still contagious by your symptoms. If all symptoms, including any blistering and scabbing, have cleared, the cold sores are most likely no longer contagious. 

5 Stages Of A Cold Sore  

The lifespan of a cold sore involves five stages of varying size, symptoms, and effects. Cold sores begin to impact the body before they are visible and can continue to do so for multiple weeks. Cold sores usually progress through stages 1-5 over a period of 7-10 days. 

Stage 1: Tingling

The first stage of cold sores occur before any mark or blisters appear. If you feel any unexplained tingling around your mouth, it may be a symptom of an early stage cold sore. 

Stage 2: Blistering

A day or two after cold sores start to appear around the mouth, clumps of red, fluid-filled blisters will begin to form. Blistering is a sign that the virus is beginning to grow, but also a sign that the body is working to fight back against it. 

Stage 3: Weeping 

On day 4 or 5 of a cold sore outbreak, blisters can begin to weep, or break open suddenly. Once cold sores appear on the surface of the skin, they can spread very quickly. It is important to maintain proper hygiene to prevent further spread. You may also consider seeking out medication to help control spreading at this stage. 

Stage 4: Crusting

The crusting stage begins when a blister begins to dry out. It will usually turn yellow or brown and begin to crust over. 

Stage 5: Healing 

The final stage of cold sores is the healing stage. During this stage, the crusted over scab will begin to dry out and eventually peel away. To reduce any irritation the scab may cause, it is advisable to use medications containing zinc oxide or aloe vera. 

Serious Cold Sores

The majority of cold sores cause very minor symptoms and disappear within a few days. However, cold sores around the eyes and lips can be more dangerous. Those with weakened immune systems may also be at risk for more serious symptoms of cold sores. 

Cold Sores Around The Eyes

If the herpes-simplex virus that causes cold sores reaches the eyes, it can result in intense pain, blurred vision, and potentially permanent scarring. It is important to seek immediate medical attention if you fear cold sores have appeared or may appear around your eyes. Failure to receive treatment could result in loss of vision and, in serious cases, blindness. 

Symptoms of herpes-simplex eye infection include:

  • Red eye
  • Eye pain
  • Swelling around the eye
  • Blurred vision
  • Sensitivity to bright light
  • Teary eyes

Cold Sores On The Lips 

If cold sores appear on the lips, it usually means they were spread through kissing or oral sex. Cold sores on the lips can become blisters that can make eating a slow and painful process.

Cold Sores Vs. Canker Sores

Cold sores are often mistaken for another type of lesion that also appears around the mouth known as canker sores. Unlike cold sores, canker sores are not contagious and do not appear on the outside of the lips. Canker sores are small, shallow ulcers that usually occur in the inner lining of the mouth. They can appear on or under the tongue, on the inside of the lips and cheeks, and on the surface of the gums. While cold sores are usually a side effect of herpes-simplex virus, canker sores are not associated with any disease. They may appear for countless reasons, including injury, biting your cheek, and braces rubbing against the inside of the mouth. 

Treatment For Cold Sores

Cold sores are most often controlled and treated through a combination of at-home remedies and prescription medications. At-home remedies for cold sores include lemon balm, tea tree oil, ice, and sunscreen. Prescription antiviral medications such as valacyclovir and acyclovir can also assist in stopping the spread of cold sores. Most cold sore medications come as either swallowable pills or applicable creams. The following medications can help heal cold sores and reduce negative side effects: 

Acyclovir

Acyclovir is a medication used to treat and weaken symptoms of herpes, shingles, and chickenpox. It does not destroy or remove the herpes virus and cold sores, but helps to stop them from spreading to different parts of the body. 

Famciclovir

Famciclovir is used to treat shingles and cold sores caused by the herpes virus. In people with frequent outbreaks of cold sores and genital herpes, famciclovir can be used to reduce the number of future outbreaks. 

Valacyclovir 

Valacyclovir is an antiviral drug used to treat oral herpes and genetial herpes, in addition to shingles and chickenpox. Herpes simplex virus spreads around your body by multiplying quickly. Valacyclovir helps heal cold sores by stopping the spread of herpes simplex virus. 

How Are Cold Sores Spread? Summary 

Also known as fever blisters, cold sores are infections that create fluid-filled blisters around the lips. Cold sores are most often caused by herpes-simplex virus, or HSV. They are spread through physical contact including kissing, touching, sharing food, or oral sex. 

Cold sores can be treated with homemade remedies such as ice, sunscreen, and aloe vera gel, as well as by prescription medications. Common cold sore medications include acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir. 

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