COLD SORES - Common Medical Advice

General Information

Cold sores are a manifestation of Cold sore simplex virus infection around the mouth.The commonest site is on the lips but some people get cold sores on other parts of the face such as around the nostrils.Cold sores are most contagious when the blisters are newly formed ie tor the first 1-2 days of an Outbreak. They are transmitted by close physical contact between an infected and a previously uninfected person Infection is most commonly acquired in a baby or infant from contact with relatives (kissing) Stress, tiredness, cold fever, other illnesses or injury makes the body Vulnerable to recurrences of cold sores. Exposure to wind can also trigger them

Signs and Symptoms

The first symptom that may appear during an outbreak of cold sores may include tingling, burning, or itcning in the area around the mouth or nose.This first portion or the outbreak is known as the prodromal stage or period.Within a few hours to days, the area may become reddened and develop small fluid-filled blisters.Several of these small blisters may even come together and form one large blister.

Advice to the Customers

• Do not kiss anyone while you have a cold sore, this will inevitably pass on the virus.
• Do not touch the eyes or genitals of yourself or another person if you think you have touched your cold Sore to prevent the spreading of the Virus.
• Avoid touching the sore, if you do touch it wash your hands well to prevent spreading the infection to other areas of your mouth or to people.
• Avoid picking at the sores as this can spread the virus to other parts of the body or result in a bacterial infection of the sores.
• The body's defenses can be strengthened by a healthy lifestyle.Eat a varied diet, exercise regularly and get enough sleep.
• The factors, which trigger Outbreaks differ from person to person. Menstruation, fever and exposure to sunlight can cause a reactivation in some people. In others, there is no demonstrable cause. Using a sunblock may help to prevent reactivation.

Prescription Advice

• Instruct the patient on the medication and how to use it properly, 1.e name of the medication, frequency of dosage etc.
• If the sore becomes exacerbated or cause more pain despite treatment, instruct the patient to consult a physician immediately.
• Inform the patient that good personal hygiene is always the best way to avoid cold sores.
• Discuss Advice to the Customers thoroughly for more information on the prevention and management of cold sores.