Every week we ask a medical expert a question about health. This week: I often suffer from cold sores in winter. Will I ever get rid of it? General practitioner Tamara de Weijer: “Cold sores are very contagious. Do not kiss your baby and avoid contact with your eyes.”
What is a cold sore (or cold sores)?
“A cold sore is caused by a herpes virus. First you feel a tingling or burning sensation in or around your mouth. Then you get painful blisters that open over time. The herpes virus is in those blisters.”
“So it has nothing to do with fever. It’s probably called that because cold sores often occur with reduced resistance.”
“Very contagious! Especially when the blisters are open. The infection is transmitted through the mucous membranes and can be transmitted through hands, hugs and kisses.”
“You can also get the virus by sharing certain items with someone who has cold sores. Such as a glass, some cutlery, a toothbrush, a towel or lip balm. So always be careful if you have cold sores. For example, a hug or not kiss your baby and wash your hands often and well.
“Be careful with contact lenses too. If you have cold sores and you touch your lenses with infected fingers, the virus can also get into your eye and cause an eye infection there. You really need to prevent this.”
Why do some people never get cold sores?
“Only carriers of the virus can get cold sores. You often get it as a child, usually as a child. Often you don’t realize it. But once you’re infected, you carry this virus with you for life. It hides into your body and occasionally becomes active again. Sometimes it can take years. It’s also possible that you are a carrier of the virus, but you never get cold sores.”
About one in three people will get cold sores in their lifetime. Many people get it more often after that one time. Usually in the same place.
“It’s relatively common. About one in three people get cold sores in their lifetime. And many people get it more often after that one time. Usually in the same place.”
Herpes sounds like a venereal disease. It’s right?
“No. There are different types of herpes viruses. But it is wise to avoid oral sexual contact with a cold sore. In the genital area, a cold sore can also cause a herpes infection by penetrating the mucous membranes and causing l ‘genital herpes there.”
Is there anything you can do about a cold sore?
“A cold sore usually goes away on its own after about ten days. You won’t be left with a scar, unless you scratch it. There are special anti-virus products in the form of creams or patches. You can apply them as soon as you notice the first signs of a cold sore, note: a tingling sensation on the lips.”
“There are also creams that you can use if you have blisters: zinc oxide or zinc sulphate. These agents ensure that the blisters dry a little faster. You can buy these remedies without a prescription at a pharmacy or drugstore. So don’t “I’m not dealing with cold sores. to the doctor. Vaseline can help with scabs. The following applies to all creams: always wash your hands well to avoid contamination.”
Tamara de Weijer is a general practitioner and founder of the Arts and Lifestyle Association.
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