I didn't know what it was. I just knew I felt a tingling/stinging sensation outside the left side of my mouth. When the blisters started forming I thought I had accidentally cut myself shaving. Truth be told, I didn't know precisely what I had experienced for another year or so.
Anyway, I'm well aware what's what now. It turns out that cold sores are technically Herpes Simplex Virus 1. No, it isn't necessarily from sexual contact (I don't think), but it recurs two to three times yearly. I've read up on them and some studies estimate that upwards of 80% of the population is infected with the virus. What in the world??? I never dealt with anything of the sort back in NYC. It wasn't until I moved here to Cali that my body started to "fall apart" so-to-speak!
Anyway, I had my teeth cleaned two weeks ago, and trauma to the lips can kick up an outbreak. I'm assuming that's what sparked my current outbreak. The blisters have already crusted over (gross!) so, within the next three or four days, I'll be healed. The interim is ugly, though. Just ugly. This time around, the scab is downright heinous!
I know this, too, shall pass.
And, boy, oh boy, will I be happy when it does!
Disgusting!
Wow.. so are they randomly coming and did u find out if u have herpes
ReplyDeleteCold sores are caused by a contagious virus called herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of HSV. Type 1 usually causes oral herpes, or cold sores. Type 1 herpes virus infects more than half of the U.S. population by the time they reach their 20s. Type 2 usually affects the genital area.
DeleteSome people have no symptoms from the infection. But others develop painful and unsightly cold sores. Cold sores usually occur outside the mouth, on or around the lips. When they are inside the mouth, they are usually on the gums or the roof of the mouth. They are not the same as canker sores, which are not contagious.
There is no cure for cold sores. They normally go away on their own in a few weeks. Antiviral medicines can help them heal faster. They can also help to prevent cold sores in people who often get them. Other medicines can help with the pain and discomfort of the sores. These include ointments that numb the blisters, soften the crusts of the sores, or dry them out. Protecting your lips from the sun with sunblock lip balm can also help.