Cold sores Avoid touching the blisters

Avoid contact of the blisters with cold sores
Many people suffer from recurring cold sores. First, it usually shows a slight itching or burning in the mouth, before the blisters and aphthae of the cold sore are visible. According to the German Dermatological Society, the causative viruses are widespread in the population and about 90 percent of Germans already had contact with the pathogens. In order to prevent the transmission of viruses in the acute phase to other people or other regions of the body, it is important to pay particular attention to hygiene and to avoid touching the bubbles.

Upon contact with the cold sores vesicles threatens a transmission of the pathogens. (Image: Ekaterina / fotolia.com)

Since the escaping liquid of the herpes blisters contains high doses of pathogens, touches should be avoided as far as possible. If it comes to contact nevertheless, thorough hand washing with soap helps to eliminate the herpesviruses. For creaming disposable gloves can be used. Scratching is strictly taboo, despite the itching, because of skin injuries that can cause secondary bacterial infections. In addition, cosmetics and personal care products that come into contact with the affected areas should not be shared with other people during the acute phase of the cold sore.

After a good week, the cold sore stops
According to the German Dermatological Society, the cold sore is usually over after about ten days and blisters heal scar-free. Subsequently, the viruses remain in an inactive form in the organism. Various triggers may cause a new outbreak here, but what factors cause the reactivation of the virus, is not yet clarified to this day. (Fp)