Pengwuino said:
Are you sure that's what it is? I've never heard of a cold sore affecting any area that wasn't a mucus membrane. (Lips, genitals, eyes...) You can't get rid of it. Once you have the herpes virus, you're stuck with it. All that you can do is treat the symptoms. The best non-prescription stuff that I've found is Polysporin. Dab it on (don't rub!) and keep doing so on a regular basis. Try to avoid any physical contact with the affected area. When an outbreak is noticeable, the virus is contagious. Avoid kissing or oral sex, or any contact around a partner's face. (The ex-from-hell's first husband had shingles, which is caused by the same virus, and kissed her on the forehead. She ended up having 6 cornea transplants and a Multino Shunt implant before finally having her eye removed because the virus hid in the front of her brain and jumped out every 3 years or so to destroy her new cornea.) It seems like a silly-ass little thing when it's just a sore lip, but when it spreads to something like the eyes or genitals it's pretty damned serious. Don't treat it lightly.Pengwuino said:
Sure, all of the time. More often if there's some sort of inflamation that causes the cheek tissue to expand, which can be something as simple as spicy food. The worst that you should experience would be a canker, which is very uncomfortable but not infectious. If it's on the inside of your mouth, the best treatment that I know of is to hold a cheek-full of warm salt water for as long as possible, and repeat as often as possible. If you have to eat while it's there, make a conscious effort to take small bites and chew with the opposite side of your mouth. Only open your jaws far enough to get the food between your teeth, so as to minimize the likelyhood of chomping your sore cheek. I would still recommend refraining from oral sex, though, because a sudden clamping of thighs could force your cheeks in between your teeth.Pengwuino said:
While shingles is caused by A herpes virus, it's not the same one that causes cold sores. Shingles is the chicken pox virus, Herpes zoster, the one that causes sexually transmitted sores is Herpes simplex. Generally, HSV-1 is the one that causes cold sores and HSV-2 causes genital herpes, but HSV-1 can be spread to the genitals.Danger said:
That might be what threw me off. While I knew that they were different strains, I was under the impression that they could alter their structure from one to the other. Thanks for the clarification.Moonbear said:
Math Is Hard said:Moonbear, I woke up with a stiff neck and it hurts when I turn my head.
Seems my HMO plan just keeps getting worse. :grumpy:Ivan Seeking said:
Math Is Hard said:
Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). This virus is highly contagious and can be passed from person to person through close contact or by sharing items such as utensils or towels.
The best way to prevent cold sores is to avoid or limit contact with the virus. This includes avoiding close contact with people who have active cold sores, not sharing personal items, and practicing good hygiene such as washing your hands frequently.
Some home remedies for cold sores include applying ice to the affected area to reduce pain and swelling, using over-the-counter creams or ointments, and taking oral pain relievers. It is also important to keep the affected area clean and avoid touching or picking at the sore.
Yes, there are antiviral medications that can help to shorten the duration of a cold sore outbreak and reduce the severity of symptoms. These medications are most effective when taken at the first sign of a cold sore.
If you have a weakened immune system, experience frequent or severe cold sore outbreaks, or have cold sores that do not heal within a few weeks, it is recommended to see a doctor. They may prescribe antiviral medication or suggest other treatments to help manage your cold sores.