Cold sores or oral herpes is a type of infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), particularly HSV-1. This virus commonly attacks the oral region, which includes the area around the mouth, the lips, the tongue, and some parts of the face. Symptoms can manifest themselves with a tingling sensation around the affected area, itchiness, and formation of blisters.
Dealing with cold sores is uncomfortable, especially once the blisters pop and form into a scab. Although they’re one of the most common viruses that have ever plagued mankind, there are still many myths and misconceptions surrounding cold sore. Listed below are some common myths to finally set the record straight.
1. If You Have Herpes, You Automatically Manifest Symptoms
Cold sores are visible symptoms of oral herpes. One of the most common myths about herpes is that you automatically display visible signs if you get infected. But, the reality is that only one out of five people will show symptoms of cold sores. Most infected people are unaware that they have oral herpes mainly because the HSV-1 stays dormant until the person’s immunity weakens.
This is where the complications come in since it’s challenging to identify asymptomatic herpes. You’d need to consult a doctor or have at-home herpes kits to determine the presence of the virus. While an active cold sore outbreak is still the most contagious, asymptomatic shedding doesn’t tell you how long they’re contagious for.
2. There Is A Cure For Cold Sores
Unfortunately, there’s no cure for cold sores. As mentioned, once the virus is in your body, it remains in your body throughout your entire life. Both types of herpes can be treated using an antiviral medication, but it only minimizes the risk of transmission and helps limit outbreaks.
The alternative medicine industry is known for proposing various natural remedies for cold sores, including vitamins, herbs, and natural extracts. In reality, these products only provide temporary relief from the symptoms of cold sores and herpes lesions.
Managing the symptoms of cold sores requires different types of care based on the phases of their healing process. The cold sore virus flourishes in warm and moist conditions, so you must keep the sores as dry as possible until the blisters burst. During these early stages, keeping them dry until the scab forms deter the virus from spreading.
Once the scabs shed, it’s helpful to restore the skin’s moisture barrier to promote healing. But, you must be careful in putting too much moisture on the scabs as it will damage them. For instance, you can use a little amount of Vaseline or any similar product on a cotton swab to control the amount you’re putting.
3. Managing Cold Sores Symptoms Is Expensive
This is, instead, a frustrating misconception to debunk about cold sores. Herpes medication is cheap and widely available in different brands. Many pharmaceutical companies offer generic versions of this antiviral medication. Valacyclovir is the active ingredient used in treating the symptoms of herpes. Valtrex, a famous herpes medication, is an affordable generic medication used to control outbreaks.
Aside from the prescription antivirals, over-the-counter remedies, like topical ointments that contain an active ingredient called docosanol, can hasten the recovery of the blisters. Home remedies are also available to lessen the pain of a cold sore outbreak. Pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can be consumed as well.
4. Cold Sores And Genital Herpes Are The Same
Cold sores or oral herpes and genital herpes aren’t precisely the same. As mentioned, the former is caused by HSV-1, while HSV-2 causes the latter. These two viruses are closely related and can both live in either place—on the mouth area or in the genital area. They also have the same transmission mode, which can be oral to oral, or oral to genital. In other words, you can get cold sores from having oral sex with a person infected with genital herpes. That’s why you must be extra careful.
5. Cold Sores Are Triggered During Cold Weathers
An extensive range of triggers can activate cold sores, although stress is the most common. It’s often associated with significantly depleting your immune system. Hormonal changes and injuries also pose a threat to the activation of the virus.
As for the weather, sun exposure and cold winds can play a part in waking up the dormant virus. UV radiation from sunlight can weaken your immune response, while the cold wind makes your lip area drier and more chapped. If the moisture barrier around your lip area is impaired, this will likely trigger the virus.
Final Words
Cold sores are a common viral infection that can be painful to deal with. You can experience itchiness, suffer from swollen and painful blisters, and even have fever. While there’s a lot of misinformation surrounding this common viral disease, you should be able to separate facts from fiction. Knowing the facts from misconceptions can save you a great deal of money and effort for speeding up your recovery process.