Like the common cold, cold sores are frequent, worldwide, and unresponsive to present-day treatments. They are also highly contagious, the infection being spread primarily through social and sexual activities, usually involving close person-to-person contact.

This, particularly in the case of genital herpes, can be most distressing. Some people became infected from contact with eating and drinking utensils, from towels, and.,-yes-even from toilet seats!

Close body contact in wrestling, rugby, and other sports can’ transmit the disease, and health care personnel are at special risk ­for infection of their fingers. Fortunately, cold sores are more irritating than they are dangerous.

The typical cold sore consists of a small group of water blisters on a red base. This blister group may itch, prickle, or burn. It can vary in size from that of a match head to a 25-cent piece or even larger. Although a cold sore can develop on any part of the body, it generally occurs on the mouth, the lips, or on the genital areas.

Up until a few years ago, doctors thought that cold sores of the mouth and lips-transmitted by contact with infected saliva­–were invariably caused by a virus called herpesvirus Type 1. And that cold sore-like infections below the waist-genital herpes–­were always caused by a closely-related organism, labeled herpes­virus Type 2. In recent years, however, due perhaps to our changing mores and the growing popularity of oral sex, the Type 1 viruses can cause genital “cold sores” and the Type 2 herpesvirus can cause mouth and lip lesions.

Cold Sores Of The Mouth And Lips

Whether you call them cold sores, fever blisters, or the medical term herpes simplex, they all describe the same problem-a problem that can literally lead to a pain in the neck.

Cold sores are caused by a virus. The primary, or initial, infection with the herpes simplex virus usually occurs in early childhood. The infection, however, may not cause any symptoms for years while the virus lies dormant. Then suddenly, a variety of factors can trigger an outbreak of. blisters, the visible sign of the infection. These factors include sun exposure, local injury (from dental work, for example), emotional tension, colds and other upper respiratory infections, various foods (chocolate, nuts, sea­ food), and, in rare instances, menstruation.

If left alone, the blisters rupture and form small ulcers. The ulcers then form crusts and scabs and finally heal in ten to fourteen days. As a rule, they do not leave scars.

If there is excessive pain or discomfort and the lymph glands in the neck become swollen, it usually means that the virus has caused a secondary infection. When this happens, you may need an oral antibiotic.

We know of no single effective cure for cold sores and fever blisters. Many over-the-counter remedies, however, are often effec­tive in relieving the signs and symptoms of cold sores of the mouth and lips.

If your cold sores are persistent or recurring, it is wise to consult your dermatologist. In extreme cases, herpes simplex can cause complications and lead to disease in the eyes, brain, and internal organs.