Wrapping up Cold Sores

Did that child come into class with sores by his lip or at the edges of his nose? Is your student reluctant to eat at break time? Are you a school nurse that needs to look again at the rudiments of cold sores? The common culprit behind cold sores is the Herpes Simplex Virus which is also known as the HAV-1 virus. However, the genital herpes HSV-2 can cause sores on the face as well as it does on the genital area. For instance, during oral sex, HSV-1 can be transmitted to the genitals and HSV2 to the lips. Once on the skin, The virus journeys to the nerves and simply lies inactive there until it is triggered by conditions which include: a fever, an infection - viral or otherwise, hormonal changes like menstruation, fatigue, stress, emotional upheavals, environmental factors like exposure to natural elements like harsh sunlight or wind, or changes in the immune system. Be particularly careful as you attend to the sufferer whilst the blisters are present. Through unhygienic practices, it is very easy for the virus to spread with ease whilst there is still moist secretion in the blisters.

Wash your hands regularly whenever you have cold sores. Avoid mouth to mouth kissing with the affected individual. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for antiviral medications that can speed up the healing of the area. Address the stressors and engage in relaxing exercises. Apply cool compress to the area to reduce inflammation and crust. Do not share personal items like towels, lip balms, cutlery, utensils towels. Examine a child with fever thoroughly. A lot of times, children have cold sores and lesions in their mouth when they are down with fever. Consult your doctor if your cold sore has not cleared away within four weeks. .