Cold Sore Information

What Is Happening When You Have A Cold Sore?

What is a cold sore?

The American Academy of Dermatology Association explains cold sores as: "A cold sore is a small blister or group of blisters that usually develop on the lip or around the mouth. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Cold sores are also known as fever blisters or herpes simplex labialis If you get cold sores, you’re not alone. More than half of Americans ages 14 to 49 carry the virus that causes cold sores. The virus stays in the body after the cold sores clear. If the virus reactivates, or wakes up, you may get cold sores again. Cold sores are generally not serious. In healthy people, cold sores tend to clear within two weeks."

Wait, I HAVE HERPES?!

How did I develop cold sores?

Wait, it says it takes 2 weeks to heal?!

Stages of a Cold Sore

It happens in stages.

Once a stage has started, you have to wait them out. It's a simple fact, your body is being attacked by a virus. Which creates a wound in the skin and attempts to spread. Your body then has to heal itself. There is no snap-of-the-fingers fix.

Stage 1: Tingling

Stage 2: Blistering

Stage 3: Weeping

Stage 4: Crusting

Stage 5: Healing

Try to not pop the blisters.

Try to not pop the blisters.

One of the biggest things is don't pop the blisters. Though from my own experience, I know that isn't always possible. If you decide you must break the main law of cold sore care, please be careful. Wear medical gloves, clean the wound before and after, ensure any instruments have been cleaned with alcohol. Have gauze or q-tips right by you, because you need to absorb the pus away from the skin the second is starts draining. Throw away all used materials/re-clean tools with soap/hot water and alcohol. Keep your wound clean.