Treat cold sores on time

Cold sores: a recurring disease

04/02/2014

Cold sores (herpes simplex labialis) is a widespread condition that can occur again at any time after the first outbreak. Because the viruses dormant for a lifetime in the body. In some people affected the herpes regularly larger areas of skin. Which acute triggers cause the renewed flare-up of herpes, remains so far largely unclear. Only proven that local weakening of the immune system, massive disgust and infectious diseases can promote the occurrence of herpes. However, many sufferers know their personal triggers relatively well and try to avoid them as much as possible. If the herpes still breaks out, however, fast action is required to avoid a conflagration.

The acute herpes outbreak usually shows up on the basis of clear skin irritations that go through various stages. An itchy rash with intense blistering in the initial stages and scabies of ruptured blisters later in the course here form the well-known symptoms of cold sores. Even intense pain can be part of the symptoms. Sometimes the herpesviruses also attack other areas, such as the genital region and trigger here appropriate complaints. In order to reduce the clinical picture as efficiently as possible, those affected should react at the first signs of the disease and pay special attention to hygiene. It is important to avoid touching the ruptured herpes blisters, as the exiting liquid is contaminated with viruses, which can easily be transferred to other areas of the body or to other people. For the treatment of cold sores, there are numerous remedies available that do not eliminate the sleeping virus in the body, but only alleviate the symptoms.

Primary infection mostly in childhood
The cause of the cold sore are in most cases viruses of the genus Herpes Simplex type I (HSV-I), more rarely of type II (HSV-II). Citing the testimony of the President of the Society of Virology, dr. Thomas Mertens from the University Hospital Ulm, reports the news agency „dpa“, that around 70 percent of the population in Germany are latently infected with herpes viruses. Often, a first infection occurs already in early childhood. In children, the herpes viruses may cause the conspicuous symptoms of a so-called oral blight (herpes in the mouth), which is characterized by changes in the mucosal structures in the mouth and massive mouth burning. But only in less than ten percent of infected children express the herpes infection in clinical symptoms, according to the statement of Thomas Mertens. Even with the other infected children, however, the viruses remain in the organism and can wake up from their dormant state given occasion.

Herpes viruses nest in nerve cells
The herpesviruses infect first infection usually the area between the mucous membrane and normal skin - so show, for example, at the edge of the lips. In the course of the infection, the viruses in the epithelial cells can multiply and destroy them, which leads to the aforementioned blistering and the subsequent discharge of liquid. In the further course, the herpesviruses enter the local nerve endings and then migrate via the nerve tracts into the associated sensory ganglion cells, Dr. Mertens. If the viruses arrived here, find „a switching process takes place: the infection becomes a latent infection.“ However, the viruses can also take the opposite route and migrate back over the nerves, which is associated with a renewed herpes outbreak.

Causes of reactivation unclear
What are the exact causes of a reactivation of the herpes virus is not yet fully understood. For example, intensive sunshine and hormonal factors are discussed as causes. The news agency „dpa“ citing the testimony of Ulrich Klein, expert of the professional association of German dermatologists, that „Triggers obviously also a local immunodeficiency - by fever, other diseases or even disgust“ can be. Disgust „causes stress, increases adrenaline production and weaken the immune system“, so small on. Often those affected hours before the first signs of a renewed herpes outbreak would be visible an unpleasant burning sensation of the skin and a feeling of tension. Subsequently „If the affected area of ​​the skin reddens, bubbles form“, the dermatologist continues.

Treatment of cold sores
For the treatment of cold sores, various drugs are available, especially external uses of the active ingredients aciclovir and penciclovir are often used. Other antivirals can definitely provide relief here or stem further propagation of the viruses. In order to achieve the greatest possible success, should be started immediately after the onset of the first herpes signs with the treatment. Oral use and intravenous use of antivirals is also possible, but it requires a corresponding prescription. Many available in the pharmacy remedies for cold sores, however, are not prescription.

Avoid transmission by thorough hygiene
In order to avoid transmission of herpesviruses, according to the experts, a very thorough hygiene is required. The relatively large herpesviruses are extremely sensitive to soap and transmission can therefore be relatively well avoided by regular hand washing. Affected skin areas should not be touched and when creaming a disposable glove or a cotton swab can be used. Scratching it is essential to avoid, as the resulting skin lesions bacterial secondary infections are facilitated and on the open wounds pathogens can penetrate into deeper skin layers or the bloodstream. (Fp)