Story Summary: Much less commonly, cold sores may be caused by HSV-2 (herpes simplex type 2), which may result from having oral sex with a person who has genital herpes. A canker sore is a small ulcer crater in the lining of the mouth – it is frequently painful. There is no cure or prevention for infected people, but steps can be taken to reduce their frequency and duration. The viruses frequently become latent and may not be expressed for years. The herpes simplex virusThe cold sore virusor herpes simplex virusis very contagious – it is easily transmissible from human-to-human as a result of close contact. When it enters a human, for most of the time it remains inactive (dormant). For example, pain may be a symptom while a rash may be a sign. Many people infected with the herpes simplex virus have no symptoms and will never know they are infected, until an outbreak of cold sores occurs (if ever one does). The sores may take as long as three weeks to heal up. Although adults can get gingivostomatitis, most patients are young children. Adults with primary infection usually have pharyngotonsillitis – the tonsils will swell, the individual will have a sore throat and glandular fever-like symptoms. However, after the primary infection, signs and symptoms are generally limited to just those of cold sores. There will be an outbreak of cold sores, with the possibility swollen glands (less common). This is followed by fluid-filled sores, typically located on the edges of the lower lip. As the cold sore grows in size, so does the pain and irritation. A yellow crust forms and sloughs off to uncover pink skin that heals without scarring. Infection with HSV-2, usually resulting from oral sex with a person who has genital herpes, is a much less common cause of cold sore outbreaks. The virus makes its way to the nerves and lies there dormant until some trigger activates it later on. People who think they, or their child may have a primary infection, especially if the sore has not healed within a week or so, should see their doctor. The doctor may also take a sample of the fluid scraped from the cold sore – the aim is to detect the presence of the cold sore virus. Most cases of cold sore outbreaks will clear up within one to two weeks without any treatment. Some ointments and antiviral medications may slightly shorten the duration of the outbreak and alleviate discomfort and pain. These creams cannot prevent future occurrences – they do not eliminate the virus. Patients with weakened immune systems- there is a risk of complications for patients undergoing chemotherapy, or those with HIV; the infection may spread to other parts of the body, including the eye, and there is also a risk of swelling of the brain (encephalitis). Other treatments for cold sores- some creams which do not contain antivirals and can be bought without a prescription may help alleviate some of the irritation. Antiseptic mouthwash- this may help prevent secondary infections and control plaque build-up. A lip barrier cream, such as Vaseline will help prevent this. Dehydration- patients with gingivostomatitis, especially young children, are at risk of becoming dehydrated because swallowing may be uncomfortable. If the infection is severe, or gingivostomatitis symptoms continue for over two weeks, you should tell your doctor. Possible complications include: Dehydration- if there is pain in the mouth and throat the patient may be reluctant to drink. This is especially the case with herpes simplex gingivostomatitis. Herpetic whitlow- if the cold sore virus spreads to other parts of the body, for example the hands, the patient may have blisters on their fingers. Herpetic whitlow- if the cold sore virus spreads to other parts of the body, for example the hands, the patient may have blisters on their fingers. Herpetic keratoconjunctivitis- this is a secondary infection in which the eyes are affected. The eye area may become swollen and irritated (inflamed), and sores may develop on the eyelids. The eye area may become swollen and irritated (inflamed), and sores may develop on the eyelids. If left untreated the cornea may become infected, resulting in possible blindness. This type of complication is usually effectively treated with antiviral medication. This type of complication is usually effectively treated with antiviral medication. Encephalitis can occur if the cold sore virus spreads to the brain. Encephalitis can occur if the cold sore virus spreads to the brain. If you do, wash your hands with soap and warm water immediately. Avoid touching other parts of your body, especially susceptible areas, such as the genitals and eyes. Avoid touching other parts of your body, especially susceptible areas, such as the genitals and eyes. There are certain triggers which can bring on an outbreak. There are certain triggers which can bring on an outbreak. These include mental stress, catching colds and flu, sleep deprivation, or too much sun. Sunblock can help reduce your skins exposure to sunlight. Written by Christian Nordqvist Copyright: Medical News Today Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News TodayAny medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional. Written by Christian Nordqvist Copyright: Medical News Today Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News TodayAny medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional….Read the Full Story

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