| Cold Sore Symptoms - Results Of Active Cold Sores |
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| Health and Fitness - Health Issues |
| Written by Denny Bodoh |
| Wednesday, 17 September 2008 19:05 |
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Cold sore symptoms? Read this short article if you would like to learn what to expect from your cold sore symptoms.
Cold sore symptoms? Read this short article if you would like to learn what to expect from your cold sore symptoms. A lot of people are concerned if their cold sore symptoms are similar to what others suffer - and rightly so. Let me share with you now the most commonly experienced cold sore symptoms you might expect. If yours are different, you may want to see a health care professional. When first invaded by the herpes simplex virus, you will have some mild cold sore symptoms - such as sore throat, mild fever and head and body aches. These symptoms are often mistaken for a mild flu. They will usually last two to four days. It is rare that you will get cold sores, fever blisters or oral herpes during first exposure. Cold sores will appear only when the herpes virus re-activates. The sore will develop near the location of first infection. As long as the virus remains latent, you will not experience any symptoms. The five most common cold sore symptoms follow. 1. FIRST WARNING SIGNS. Your first indication of a possible sore is quite mild and often ignored. This first symptom will be noticeable in the area where you get cold sores. This includes a slight tingling and itching sensation. You may experience a dry feeling that causes you to use a lip balm. You will sense that something is occurring under the skin. You are not wrong. The herpes simplex virus has moved to the surface to replicate. The virus is drilling into the nerve cells there. It would be wise to apply ice or some cold object as a cold sore treatment method. This will provide comfort. But the main benefit is that it discourages - or even stops - the herpes virus from continuing its plan. 2. BUMPS AND SWELLING. The target area will now swell up because the cells are filling with new virus particles. Quite likely you will notice some painful little bumps. These are similar to hard little red pimples. Usually you will get a slight fever and headache during this time. Also, the under-jaw lymph gland on the side of your sore will swell up. This is one sign your body is fighting the infection. 3. OPEN WOUND APPEARS. The cells explode when they can hold no more new virus. All these exploded cells create the open ulcer. Clear fluid will weep from the sore as your body attempts to wash away the infecting virus. This may prove to be your most painful stage. Cold sores, fever blisters and oral herpes form on the end of your facial nerves. The sores open up and briefly expose the nerve endings. And this will be the most contagious period for your cold sores. The outbreak area is absolutely teaming with herpes virus looking for a new home. 4. BLESSED HEALING BEGINS NOW. Once the sore breaks open, it begins the healing period. You should notice improvement every day now. Your body will begin to create a crust over the sore immediately, and begin replacing the destroyed cells. The crust can become dry and cracking is common. This slows healing and is painful. Apply extra virgin olive oil to the scab to help keep it soft and prevent the cracking. 5. FINAL HEALING PERIOD. Usually the scab will last about a week or so. When it falls off, new skin will appear. But, it is important that you continue to use caution. The area of new skin will probably have redness to it. This indicates that healing continues below the skin. Herpes simplex virus is still present. You are contagious until all the red is gone. Your lymph glands should no longer be swollen and quite close to normal again. Your final healing will feel like it is dragging on forever. It is quite frustrating because you feel and look well, but are still able to infect someone else. You must continue to take care of the area. The virus is still under the skin and it can start creating new cold sores. There you have it. These are the most common cold sore symptoms. They should closely match your symptoms. If your symptoms are quite a bit different, then see your health care consultant. Keep searching for answers. We are discovering new cold sore treatment options all the time. Fact is, with what we now know, you really should not need to suffer from cold sore symptoms ever again. About the Author: Cold sore questions? Go to Denny Bodoh's excellent web-site jam-packed with FREE information about Cold Sores. You will discover some great Cold Sore cures and remedies that really work well. |