Cold Sores Or Fever On The Lips: What Is The Cause?
Cold sores (commonly called lip fever) is an infectious disease that usually develops on the lips, gums, or other parts of the mouth. It is caused by the Herpes simplex virus , of which two strains are known: VSH-1 (cold sores) and VSH-2 (genital herpes). The lesions typically present in the form of blisters.
According to statistics, it can strike at any time, affecting a percentage of adults ranging from 20 to 40%. The first herpetic infection, however, usually occurs in childhood, but the virus remains latent in the trigeminal nerve.
Cold sores or fever on the lips: what are the causes?
After the symptoms of the first infection have subsided, the virus remains latent in the human body; when it reactivates, it produces new vesicular lesions, the so-called “fever”,
Contagion, in the presence of these lesions, is very easy, since physical contact is sufficient. It is not, however, a hereditary disease.
Sharing objects that have come into contact with the blisters can also facilitate the transmission of herpes. Therefore, these are strictly personal items such as towels, cutlery, lip balm, razor, etc. According to the WHO, the VHS-1 virus affects approximately 3.7 billion people under the age of 50.
Risk factors
Several factors favor the activation of the virus, for example:
- Depressed immune system.
- Diseases of the immune system, such as AIDS / HIV.
- Severe burns.
- Chemotherapy treatment.
- Immunosuppressive therapy aimed at preventing transplant rejection.
Symptoms of cold sores
They can be mild or severe, or even the infection can be asymptomatic. The first symptoms usually appear 1-2 weeks after the infection and last from 7 to 15 days. The most common symptoms are:
- Tingling around the lips that usually precedes the appearance of the lesion.
- Sense of heat on the lips and swelling.
- Itching or stinging.
- Appearance of blisters, usually between the lip and the skin.
- Suppuration and appearance of the crust. The blisters can join and burst, with fluid loss, leaving a scab.
The infection can also be accompanied by throat disorders or swollen lymph nodes. The areas most affected are:
- Lips.
- Throat.
- Gums.
- Mouth.
- Nostrils.
Why does the virus reactivate?
After the first infection, the virus can awaken for several reasons.
- Low immune defenses.
- Stress.
- Excessive sun exposure.
- Period.
- Hormonal changes.
- Temperature.
Diagnosis
Physical inspection is sufficient. In case of recurrence or when the lesions are very extensive, one can undergo diagnostic tests. The most common is viral culture of the blisters in the initial stage of infection.
Cold sores treatment
There are two types of treatment. Topical treatment consists in the local application of an antiviral cream. It is effective if you start applying from the first symptoms.
When systemic treatment is required, the same antivirals can be used, but in tablet form. The most used drugs are:
- Acyclovir.
- Famciclovir.
- Valaciclovir.
Analgesics, on the other hand, help to calm the discomfort caused by the symptoms. In addition to medications, the following measures help prevent infection or heal faster.
- Avoid sharing personal items with a person with cold sores.
- Avoid kissing, even if the bladder is covered by the patch.
- Keep your lips moisturized to prevent them from drying out.
- Follow a healthy diet.
In conclusion
Cold sores, or lip fever, is a highly contagious infection caused by the Herpes simplex virus . Although the first infection appears in childhood, it can recur in adulthood, awakened by several factors. Treatment involves the administration of antiviral drugs.
