COLD SORE (Fever Blister; Herpes Simplex) |
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General Information
DEFINITION--A common, contagious viral infection of the lip, gum and mouth areas. It occasionally affects the genitals and rarely affects the cornea (thin transparent layer covering the eye).
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Eruption of very small, painful blisters that are grouped together and surrounded by a red ring. They fill with fluid, then dry up and disappear.
If the eye is infected:
Eye pain and redness.
Feeling that something is in the eye.
Sensitivity to light and tearing.
CAUSES & RISK FACTORSInfection from the herpes simplex virus. The virus is transmitted through saliva, stools, urine or eye discharge from the infected eye of someone with active herpes. Most persons are exposed to the virus in childhood. The virus remains in the body indefinitely, becoming active occasionally and causing an outbreak of blisters. The following can trigger flare-ups:
Injury to the skin from friction with clothing or protective gear.
Previous eczema.
Physical or emotional stress.
Illness or excessive exercise that has lowered resistance.
Excess sun exposure.
Use of immunosuppressive drugs.
Menstrual period.
HOW TO PREVENT
Avoid physical contact with others who have active lesions.
Avoid excess direct exposure to sun. Use zinc oxide or a sunscreen on your lips.
To avoid spreading the virus to others:
Wash your hands often during a flare-up.
Avoid wrestling, judo, boxing and other sports involving physical contact until lesions heal.
Don't use protective equipment, such as a face mask, until lesions heal.
WHAT TO EXPECT
DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES -- Your own observation of symptoms.
NORMAL COURSE OF ILLNESS Spontaneous recovery in a few days to a week, occasionally longer. Recurrence is common. The virus remains in the body for life, but it is usually dormant. Research continues in developing a vaccine.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATION
Permanent vision impairment, if herpes eye infections are untreated.
Severe, widespread infection in patients with eczema.
Meningitis or encephalitis (rare).
HOW TO TREAT
NOTE -- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.
MEDICAL TREATMENTNot usually necessary except for a herpes eye infection or if a herpes lesion in any part of the body becomes infected with bacteria.
HOME TREATMENT
Drink cool liquids or suck frozen juice bars.
Apply an ice cube for 1 hour during the first 24 hours after a lesion appears. This may make it heal more quickly.
Don't rub or scratch an infected eye.
MEDICATION
You may use the following non-prescription medications:
Acetaminophen to relieve minor pain. Don't use aspirin, especially for children and adolescents. Use of aspirin for some viral illnesses has been linked to Reye's syndrome, a form of encephalitis.
Drying medications such as Campho-Phenique, tincture of benzoin or benzoyl peroxide 5-10% for lesions close to the lip.
Don't treat an infected eye without consulting your doctor. DON'T USE CORTICOSTEROID OINTMENT OR DROPS IN THE
EYE. Corticosteroids promote growth of the herpes virus in the cornea.
Your doctor may prescribe:
Antiviral medication at the earliest sign of a flare-up. (Later use is ineffective).
Antibiotics if lesions become infected with bacteria.
Anticancer topical medication for eye infections.
ACTIVITY
Avoid close contact--especially kissing or oral sex -- until lesions heal.
DIETNo special diet.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
The following occurs with a cold sore:
Signs of secondary bacterial infection, such as fever, pus instead of clear fluid in the lesions, headache and muscle aches.
Eruption of lesions on the genitals similar to those around the mouth.
Development of new, unexplained symptoms. Drugs in treatment may produce side effects.
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