COMMON SKIN DISORDERS IN ADULTS: COLD SORES
Posted: under Skin Care.
The dreaded cold sore, which is caused by the herpes virus, always seems to appear when it is least wanted. Like other manifestations of the herpes viruses, cold sores tend to recur. The herpes virus is initially spread from person to person by direct contact, but once it becomes established it lives in the nerve cells, only to rear its ugly head following sun exposure, tiredness and stress. Most cold sores last about ten days and heal without scarring.Cold sores can be precipitated by sunlight, so the use of lipstick or lip sunscreens can be helpful. Before a cold sore appears, a tingling sensation may be felt around the mouth. If a cream such as Zovirax or Stoxil is applied when this tingling occurs, before a cold sore appears, it may prevent it from coming up altogether. Acyclovir (Zovirax) tablets can be used to prevent cold sores which are severe or troublesome. They are very effective but unfortunately are also very expensive.If you have active cold sores, you should avoid kissing people, especially children with eczema, as cold sores can produce a severe, widespread eruption on the face of a child with active eczema.
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