What Causes Cold Sores

Cold sore is the cluster of small painful fluid-filled blisters that usually appear on the lips and outer edge of the mouth or even around the nose. That’s why sometimes it is called fever blisters. It is one type of infection that is caused by type-1 herpes simplex virus (HSV1). As cold sore is caused by herpes simplex virus, it is also called oral herpes. The sores may last few days and unlike other virus, the herpes simplex is not completely eliminated by the body defenses and once it outbreaks a person, it is likely to recur. One-third of infected people experiences cold sores due to the recurrence of the earlier infection, not due to the current infection. It will produce sore on your lip or nose or near the mouth which may usually last for eight to 15 days. 

 

A canker sore is different from a cold sore, although many people think that both of the terms are same. Canker sore is caused by the infection of bacteria inside the mouth which will be round, small and a red spot will be surrounded by a white space. You have to remember one thing that cold sore are much re-contagious than the canker sore.

Between the outbreaks, this virus hides away harmlessly in the junctions of the nerve cells (ganglion). Cold sore causing herpes simplex virus spread from person to person by close personal contact such as through saliva, kissing, using the same eating or drinking utensils or sharing personal bits and pieces such as razor and receiving oral sex from someone with herpes simplex infection. It is more concern that oral sex is a common way of passing on cold sores from one’s mouth to another one’s genitals which cause genital herpes.

To get rid of cold sores overnight firstly you should cover the cold sore with a petroleum jelly which will enhance the healing as well as will protect the cold sore from further infection of bacteria. A local anesthetic cream containing benzocaine may help to minimize the pain of cold sore for the short term.

Another way to get rid of cold sores overnight is using a new toothbrush just after the formation of the blister. Toothbrushes may anchorage the virus. You should consult to your health care professionals if you are suffering from cold sore frequently or severely. Acyclovir, an antiviral ointment can be used for some case.

You should apply a sunscreen on your lips to avoid sun-induced infection of cold sores. On the other hand you may use a lipstick containing sunscreen. 

If you want to get rid of cold sores overnight you should not pinch, pick or squeeze a cold sore. Otherwise it can bring bacterial infection. As the cold sore is very contagious, you should avoid kissing, sharing caps, cloths, towels etc. You mast have to wash your hands just after touching the cold sore. To avoid any accidental touch on the other parts of your body you may use hand sanitizer which will make your hand sanitized. 

If you feel too much pain you may try some pain killer ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin or other OTC painkillers. 

After the first arrival of cold sore you may apply an ice pack. This ice pack will provide a little temporary relief. Another method to provide calm filings is by using super cold drinks like smoothies or slashes. 

Milk can be a remedy of cold sore, but not by drinking. Immerse a cotton globe in milk and apply the milk to sore to reduce pain.