by Jennifer Wallace

Created on: March 02, 2011   Last Updated: November 25, 2011

Cold sores are in fact a break out of the Herpes Virus.  They are repeated hurtful sore spots, and they generally form on the border of your lip, but can also happen in the mouth.

The herpes simplex virus is really a two-headed brute.  These sores are given this name because they generally show up in two individual, but potentially awkward areas in the human body.  Type One Herpes Virus breakouts normally reveal themselves as a collection of sores round the mouth. They are cold blisters (or mouth herpes) break out. There is also the Type Two Herpes Virus, and they normally bring about the same type of lesions, with the exception that they often form round the reproductive organs and upper thighs. The definition of "often" is vital here, and if you're not very careful, you too are able to spread the virus around your own self or another person's body.

In spite of their title, cold sores (also called sore spots), are not brought on by the usual common cold. Fever blisters are usually caused by a virus-like infection known as Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV for short).

Direct exposure to a contaminated man or women is sufficient to get contaminated with the virus at the same time. As soon as you get the virus, it doesn't appear right away, but instead it stays inactive for a long time in the human body. Once the virus emerges, fever blisters will start to appear.

Individuals can be subjected to various reasons for fever blisters, every single day. These blisters are often very tender when they are touched; and in the majority of cases they last for several days. Although these sores are infectious, in contrast to other viruses these fever blisters are not totally eradicated by your body's immune system. That is why they commonly re-occur as time passes.  Sometimes when the body is stressed or is lacking in nutrients the immune system become weak and so the individual is prone to having these outbreaks of blisters. 

Treatment consists of understanding how to identify, and prevent triggers (for instance, by using sun block or natural lotion on your lips when going outside in strong sunlight). Antiviral ointment (Acyclovir) can be purchased at the local pharmacy, and this will help to reduce the length and severeness of the blisters. The cream needs to be placed on your skin as quickly as possible for optimum impact; preferably when you feel the tingling sensation. 

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