Symptoms Of Cold Sore - Tingling, Swelling And Cold Sore Outbreaks
Curious about what the symptoms of cold sores are? Starting to feel those tingly sensations and afraid of an imminent cold sore outbreak? While cold sores are caused by the same causing agent, the herpes simplex virus (type 1), the symptoms of cold sore vary from one individual to another. The cold sore symptoms that you are feeling now may not be experienced as such by others.
What are Cold Sores?
But what are cold sores anyway? Cold sores are watery blisters that grow on the lips, mouth edges or nose area that are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 or HSV-1. They are sometimes referred to as fever blisters. Cold sores are in turn the primary symptom that is felt by those who have contracted the oral herpes infection, scientifically referred to as herpes labialis. In the next sections of the article, you will know more about cold sore symptoms and how you can find out for yourself whether you have contracted the infection or not.
Symptoms of Cold Sores
So what are possible symptoms of a cold sore outbreak? There are a large number of cold sore sufferers who do not feel any symptoms at all. The others, on the other hand, may feel a tingling or burning sensation on the areas where an outbreak is supposed to erupt. These may be accompanied by a slight fever, sore throat, gums and mouth. Generally, symptoms of cold sore infection vary depending on the stage of the cold sore life cycle. The typical life cycle is as follows:
- Cold sore tingling. Occurring at day one, this stage involves tingling, burning or itching sensation underneath the skin, usually on the mouth or the nose base area.
- Cold sore swelling or blistering. After two to three days, blisters start to appear on the mouth, lips or nearby areas.
- Cold sore weeping. After the cold sore swollen stage, the blister ulcerates, opens and reveals a reddish area. This is perhaps the most painful stage and is most contagious.
- Cold sore crusting. On days 5 to 8, the blisters eventually dry up and form a yellowish or brownish crust.
- Cold sore healing. Within 10 to 14 days, a series of scabs start to form over the sore and heals within two weeks from the very first symptoms felt.
The Endless Cycle
The problem with cold sores and oral herpes infection is that they tend to stay in your nervous system even after the cold sore outbreak heals. It lies dormant in the nervous system ready to attack anytime, whenever triggered. Though nothing much can be done about the inclination of the herpes virus to stay in your system, you can practice extreme caution not to trigger them.
The best time to treat a cold sore is as soon as the first symptoms of cold sore is felt (the tingling stage). When properly managed, your cold sore outbreak will not have to last as long as two weeks.
Dylan Bavol writes about health topics, including cold sores, and other health conditions. Check out more of his writings about cold sore infections, symptoms of colds sores, or cold sore treatments through http://www.coldsoreproof.com
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