ANSWERS: 1
  • Herpes simplex virus type two (or HSV-2) causes cold sores to form on or around your mouth after the first infection (see Reference 1). An estimated 90% of people have the virus, though only one third of which experience cold sores (see Reference 1). It is important to maintain excellent hygiene and not spread the infection to any other part of the body, especially the eyes, as it can cause blindness (see Reference 1).

    How a Cold Sore Forms

    After a "trigger event," such as a feverish illness, a stressful situation or exposure to too much sun or wind, a cold sore will form (see Reference 1). The cold sore occurs in five stages: the tingling stage, the blister stage, the weeping stage, the scabbing stage and the healing stage (see Reference 3). People who have had cold sores for a while can usually start to sense that a cold sore is about to present itself when they feel a tingling on their lip (see Reference 3). Since the cold sore will usually pop up in the same spot, the tingling will most likely occur in that same area and you will also begin to notice the spot becoming more red and swollen (see Reference 3). The spot then turns into a blister and usually develops smaller blisters in the same area until the spot becomes a cluster of blisters (see Reference 3). The sore then enters the most contagious, weeping stage when the blisters begin to pop open and fluid leaks out for usually only a day (see Reference 3). After the fluid has made its way out of the blisters, the sore begins to scab and eventually the skin will flake off, commonly leaving the area without a scar (see Reference 3).

    When a Cold Sore Spreads

    During the weeping stage, it is very important to keep your hands clean after touching the spot as the fluid carries millions of viruses just waiting to infect other areas of the body (see Reference 3). By touching the cold sore and then touching your eye, you can damage your cornea if the viral fluid gets in (see Reference 1). If this happens, you will begin to notice your eye turning red and becoming more watery (see Reference 2). You should also experience sensitivity to light as well as pain in your eye (see Reference 2). If this happens, make sure to contact a doctor immediately as the virus has been known to cause blindness (see Reference 2).

    Preventing the Spread of Cold Sores

    In order to prevent spreading a cold sore to the eye, it is crucial to practice good hygiene as well as caution. When the blisters begin to leak out fluid, it is important to keep the cold sore dry by absorbing the liquid with tissues, making sure to throw the tissues away as soon as you're done with them (see Reference 3). Do not re-use cloths or materials that have made contact with your cold sore, so as to prevent any viral substance from getting in your eye. To stop the spread of HSV-2 to other people, refrain from sharing cups, cutlery and toothbrushes with other people, and do not kiss anyone if you have a cold sore (see Reference 2).

    Source:

    Better Health - Cold Sores

    Family Health - Cold Sores

    X-Plain Cold Sores - Reference Summary

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