Cold Sores are Contagious
Cold sores are caused by the Herpes simplex virus and, if the virus particles are transferred to another person they too can become infected.
Cold sores are typically spread by direct skin-to-skin contact with the virus. Kissing or rubbing against the infected area are common examples of how the virus particles can be transferred.
How is the Virus Spread?
If a person has an active cold sore on their lip the herpes virus particles can be transferred to any part of the body that is kissed, including the mouth, face or the genitals.
It should also be made aware that the virus is considered to be contagious from the very first sign of an outbreak (including the tingling, itching stage) until the area is completely healed again. The cold sore virus can also spread at times when there are no visible symptoms due to what is known as Herpes Viral Shedding.
Can Cold Sores be Spread to other Areas of the Body?
One kind of complication involves spreading the virus particles from the location of an outbreak to other places on the body by touching the infection. The fingers, eyes, and other body areas can accidentally become infected in this way.
Preventing self-infection is simple. Do not touch the area during an outbreak. If you do, wash your hands as soon as possible with soap and warm water. This will help prevent the virus from spreading further.
What can you do to Treat Cold Sores?
There are many different treatments and remedies for cold sores to assist with healing and help to prevent recurrences. These can help to reduce the amount of time that the cold sore is visible on the skin. There are also medicinal herbs and nutrients, such as Lysine, which can make a difference to the frequency of the episodes. A commonly prescribed treatment would include medication such as Denavir.
There are also many home remedies which can temporarily help to relieve symptoms, such as-
• Ice can be applied to the sores to both numb and soothe the area, as well as lower the temperature of the infection, helping to inhibit the virus
• Warm tea bags applied to the infected area every hour may be beneficial. This is because black tea bags (such as Early Grey) contain tannic acid which has antiviral properties, best used at the first sign of an outbreak
• Petroleum jelly and other lip moisturizers can soothe and moisten the lips, helping to prevent the cold sore scabs from cracking and bleeding
