Cold Sore Symptoms - The Worst Part of Your Cold Sores

By Denny Bodoh

Cold sore symptoms? Read this short article if you would like to learn what to expect from your cold sore symptoms.

A lot of people are concerned if their cold sore symptoms are similar to what others suffer - and rightly so.

Below I would like to share with you the cold sore symptoms most people experience. Quite likely yours will be quite similar.

You will get some one-time cold sore symptoms when you first catch the herpes simplex virus. They are sore throat, fever, headaches and overall flu-like feeling. These symptoms only last about two or three days.

It is rare that you will get cold sores, fever blisters or oral herpes during first exposure.

Cold sores will appear only when the herpes virus re-activates. The sore will develop near the location of first infection. As long as the virus remains latent, you will not experience any symptoms.

The five most common cold sore symptoms follow.

1. INITIAL WARNING OF IMPENDING COLD SORES.

Your first alert that an outbreak is about to occur is very slight and often missed. The place where the sore will appear may tingle, itch or just feel uncomfortable.

Your target area may feel dry. If you have lip balm, you will desire to use it.

You are aware that something is happening beneath the skin. The herpes simplex virus has awakened and moved to the surface. It is now entering the nerve cells there.

Applying ice, or anything cold, at this time will provide comfort. This great cold sore treatment could discourage the herpes simplex virus - or stop it completely.

2. RED BUMPS AND SWOLLEN CELLS.

First you may notice some hard little red bumps that are quite painful to the touch. Then the infected cells swell up as they fill with newly created virus.

Usually you will get a slight fever and headache during this time. Also, the under-jaw lymph gland on the side of your sore will swell up. This is one sign your body is fighting the infection.

3. OPEN SORE DEVELOPS.

The cells, once filled to capacity, burst open spilling out the new virus. All the broken cells form the open wound. A clear, thick fluid will weep from the sore to cleanse away the virus hoards.

This can be quite a painful period. The herpes simplex virus creates cold sores, fever blisters and oral herpes on the end of the nerves. When the sore bursts open, the nerve tips are exposed for a short time.

Also, this is the most contagious stage for cold sores. Millions of new viruses are looking for a new place or person to infect.

4. NOW THE HEALING BEGINS.

Once the sore breaks open, it begins the healing period. You should notice improvement every day now.

Your body will scab-over the wound, and starts to replace the damaged cells underneath. If the scab becomes dry, it will crack when you smile or chew. This hurts and can slow down the healing process.

Apply extra virgin olive oil to the scab to help keep it soft and prevent the cracking.

5. FINAL STAGE FOR HEALING.

The crust will last approximately a week. When it finally disappears, there will be fresh new skin underneath.

But, you must still be careful.

You will notice redness to the area. This means it is still healing below the skin. There is still herpes simplex virus lurking around - making you contagious until the redness disappears.

Your lymph glands should no longer be swollen and quite close to normal again.

The final healing period seems to drag on forever. You are feeling much better and looking OK but are still infectious.

And, if you do not continue to be careful, cold sores can easily reoccur during this period.

There you have it. These are the most common cold sore symptoms. They should closely match your symptoms. If your symptoms are quite a bit different, then see your health care consultant.

Also, keep reading and researching. With what we know today, you should no longer have to suffer cold sore symptoms. There is some amazing cold sore treatment options that can possibly eliminate your cold sore symptoms.

About the Author:

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