Symptoms

For most people, cold sores start with a tingling sensation, right at that tender area where the outer lip meets the smooth skin inside the mouth. Often, that tingling turns into an itch, and then into a burning feeling. With it comes the resignation - you're about to get a cold sore. You're not alone. In fact, many Americans will get a cold sore at some point in their lives, usually starting in childhood. Unfortunately, once you've had a cold sore, chances are it will come back again, probably at the worst possible time, like just before a big social occasion, or when you're about to make that important business presentation.
Even though they are so common, the cause and treatment of cold sores remain a mystery to most people. That's why the makers of Campho-Phenique® Cold Sore Treatment have developed this website. After 125 years, we've gathered quite a bit of information you should find useful in dealing with the pain and embarrassment of unsightly cold sores.

Stages

It Starts Small...

Whether you call it a cold sore, a fever blister, or a sun blister, it starts out as a tiny virus... herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) to be exact. The HSV-1 virus is related to the virus which causes genital herpes (HSV-2). There are other types of infections caused by viruses in the herpes family as well, including chicken pox and shingles (herpes zoster).

...But It Grows

Like all viruses, the HSV-1 virus invades a cell, multiplies, and then spreads to other cells. Cold sore blisters can show up anywhere from 2 to 20 days after the initial infection - although seven days is the average. One or more red-trimmed, fluid-filled blisters appear around the lips or, more rarely, on the tongue or inside the mouth. Often these small blisters cluster together to form larger lesions. The blisters burst open, causing pain, itching and a burning sensation. Finally a crust is developed over the red base of the blister.
Most cold sores heal within about three weeks, but in that time, they guarantee a future for themselves. The viruses spread from the sores into surrounding nerves, and then travel upwards. They remain dormant at these sites until something happens to wake them up. Then they travel back down the nerve, ready to cause a whole new crop of blisters.

Factors for Outbreak

Like an unexpected visitor, cold sores can come back at the worst moment. Although scientists still haven't determined exactly what causes the cold sore virus to reactivate and travel back to the lips, there are a number of factors that can lead to a recurrence. Not surprisingly, illnesses such as severe colds and flu are common culprits, as is too much exposure to sun and wind. Less understood are such factors as surgical procedures, stomach problems, and hormonal changes caused by menstruation or pregnancy. One big factor that seems to come into play is stress - which probably accounts for the tendency of cold sores to show up when they are most inconvenient.

Spreading the Virus

The cold sore virus is spread by contact with the blisters or by contact with infected saliva. Even if there are no visible cold sores, it is still possible to transfer the virus, although it is far more likely to happen if the sores are actually present. The virus can also be spread during sexual contact. It is also possible for the cold sore sufferer to spread the infection into his or her hands or eyes by touching the blisters, but that is a fairly rare occurrence.

Is There a Cure?

Unfortunately, there simply is no cure for cold sores. Once you've had them, they will keep coming back. On the plus side, however, is the fact that outbreaks tend to be less frequent and less severe as time goes on.

What Works...

Fortunately, you don't have to take cold sores lying down. There are a number of treatments, both prescription and non-prescription, that can relieve the symptoms of cold sores and promote their healing. The ingredients in Campho-Phenique® Cold Sore Treatment with Drying Action can temporarily ease the pain and itching of cold sores. It also helps keep sores from cracking. Equally important, Campho-Phenique® contains an antiseptic that works to block infections that can slow the healing process.

...And What Doesn’t?

Cold sores are like hiccups: everyone has a favorite folk remedy of therapy. Unfortunately, none of these has been proven to provide consistent, safe relief of cold sore symptoms - and certainly none can actually cure a cold sore. For a while, vitamin therapies were getting a lot of attention as a possible cold sore cure. Research showed, however, that diet therapies of all kinds, including those with vitamins C, E and B-12, had no effect on the problem. Steroid creams are not only useless, but can actually slow down the healing process. Antibiotics are only useful against bacterial infections, and since cold sores are caused by viruses, they have no effect.

Ten Ways to Fight Cold Sores

1. Keep cold sores clean and dry.
2. Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly when blisters are present.
3. Use a medication like Campho-Phenique® Cold Sore Treatment to stop pain and help prevent secondary infections to promote healing.
4. Don't touch your cold sores.
5. Don't kiss someone with cold sores, and if you're the sufferer, don't let them kiss you.
6. Don't share utensils, cups, towels... anything that might have come in contact with a cold sore or with the cold sore sufferer's saliva.
7. Avoid oral sex when cold sore blisters are present.
8. Don't use saliva to wet contact lenses.
9. Prevent drying and cracking of blisters (which are more prone to infection) by protecting the skin with a medication that includes petrolatum or cocoa butter.
10. Live a healthy lifestyle, including good nutrition, exercise and plenty of rest.