Wednesday, September 8, 2010

A Guide to Common Cold Sore Symptoms

January 2, 2010 by Pat Lowe  
Filed under Health Fitness

A cold sore is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. While it is most commonly seen in oral cavity infections, it can also occur in the eye. Both infections have the same virus to blame but the occurrence of a cold sore in the eye sometimes happens due to the virus taking the wrong turn when it is activated. The cold sore in the eye can come from a person with an oral cavity cold sore infection and vice versa.

Early symptoms which precede the actual blisters include a tingling feeling, along with the development of swelling or redness just hours before the blisters erupt. This symptom is the actual development of the blister and is often accompanied by an itchy or sore feeling. Cold sore symptoms include a degree of pain in the affected area, weeping blisters which occur in and around the oral cavity, fever, redness in the affected area and itchiness. The blisters in the lips and mouth can form a bigger blister when two smaller blisters are close to each other. The presence of these symptoms may cause the affected individual to have some difficulty eating and talking. The symptoms of this viral infection are constant and highly similar for both the oral cavity and the eyes.

The very first occurrence of a cold sore may be the most severe attack of all. Cold sore symptoms for the initial attack may include fever, swollen glands and swollen lymph nodes as well. Some degree of pain and discomfort is to be expected from this viral infection.

While infection of the eyes by the herpes simplex virus is not common, it can occur to many people, especially those to whom this area has always been readily affected. For cold sores in the eyes, the signs may not appear as severe as those in the mouth or lips but the effects may be more permanent. Blurry vision, watery eyes, redness and pain in the affected area are the signs to watch for. The presence of ulcers is one of the symptoms and can cause considerable scarring in the eyes. The scarring almost always affects the person\’s eyesight.

It is best to use topical medication to deal with an existing outbreak. The most effective long term treatment, however, may lie in treating the virus itself. While the cure of the herpes simplex virus is still elusive as of now, controlling the recurrence of the viral infection may be possible. Antiviral pills which are aimed at this specific form of herpes virus help to manage the sleeping virus in the nerve center where it lies dormant until stress or trauma awakens it.

There are a number of really effective ways to help cure cold sores, right in your own home. From salt to resveratrol for cold sore relief, there\’s something that should work for you. Learn more at Home Remedies for Cold Sores.

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