Be Alert to the Symptoms of Cold Sores
A cold sore is the manifestation of the herpes simplex virus. There are many different symptoms of this condition and some of them indicate the onset of the cold sore long before the actual blisters come out. Cold sore symptoms may not be as specific to the infection as some people would like. Some of the symptoms may be too general or common and can indicate the onset of several other conditions also. When the actual symptoms of the cold sore comes, the individual may then see or diagnose that he or she has a cold sore.
Cold sore early symptoms usually start with a tingling or numb sensation in the general vicinity of the area to be affected. In most cases, this sensation occurs in the mouth, where the tingling feeling may be irksome at first. For those who have not yet experienced a cold sore, they may conclude that they are coming down with flu since other cold sore symptoms may be similar to it.
More cold sore symptoms are a slight fever, swollen glands, swollen lymph nodes and a sore throat. All these symptoms occur a day or two before the fluid filled blisters form in and around the affected area.
The treatment of cold sore symptoms and the virus itself that causes the condition may be different. While cold sore home remedies may work at defeating the blisters and alleviating the pain, treating the virus may require the need for medical attention. Many topical medications work well for cold sore symptoms but oral anti viral medications work best in fighting off the virus the causes this condition. There may be topical creams and ointments with properties that can address both the cold sore symptoms and the viral infection.
The herpes simplex virus that is responsible for cold sores cannot be totally eliminated from the human body. There is no medicine or treatment yet that can actually purge this virus from the system. When triggered the virus then manifests symptoms which will eventually turn to the actual blisters after a few hours or a day or two.
Cold sores not only cause you considerable pain, they can also ruin your appearance. The good news is that there are ways to help them heal faster, and even preventative programs that can help you avoid future outbreaks completely. Find out more at Home Remedies for Cold Sores.
