Anyone know about Cold sores?

Question

I have one and it is at the end stages..my question is since the scab(eew gross) is off so am I not contagious anymore? Help me out here I haven't kissed my honey in 2 weeks man.

ONE MORE THING TO ADD...I have gotten lots of helpful answeres but
the scab came off and there is no blood or oozing and it looks like any sore when the scab falls off it is pinkish due to old skin coming off..so does it mean I am still contagious? I am freakin out over this stupid thing.

Answer 1

~*~As a cold sore continues to run its course the number of virus particles that are present in the lesion diminishes. Usually by the time a scab has formed (the Crusting stage) the number of virus particles has lessened dramatically. From a practical standpoint however, all phases of a cold sore do have at least some virus present and each phase, from the Tingle stage on to the completion of healing, should be considered to be contagious.

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Cold sores — also called fever blisters — are quite different from canker sores, a condition people sometimes associate them with. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus, and they're contagious. Canker sores, which aren't contagious, are ulcers that occur in the soft tissues inside your mouth, places where cold sores don't occur.

Cold sores are common. Though you can't cure or prevent cold sores, you can take steps to reduce their frequency and to limit the duration of an occurrence.

Signs and symptoms of cold sores include:
* Small, painful, fluid-filled blisters on a raised, red, painful area of your skin
* Pain or tingling, called the prodrome, often precedes the blisters by one to two days
* Usual duration of seven to 10 days

Cold sores usually appear on your lips. Occasionally, they occur on your nostrils, chin or fingers. And, although it's unusual, they may occur inside your mouth — but only on your gums or hard palate, which is the roof of your mouth. If the sore appears on other soft tissues inside your mouth, it may be a canker sore, but it's not a cold sore.

Signs and symptoms may not start for as long as 20 days after exposure to the herpes simplex virus, and usually last seven to 10 days. The blisters form, break and ooze. Then a yellow crust forms and finally sloughs off to uncover pinkish skin that heals without a scar.

Causes
Certain strains of the herpes virus cause cold sores. Herpes simplex virus type 1 usually causes cold sores. Herpes simplex virus type 2 is usually responsible for genital herpes. However, either type of the virus can cause sores in the facial area or on the genitals. You get cold sores from another person who has an active lesion. Shared eating utensils, razors and towels may spread this infection.

Once you've had an episode of cold sores, the virus lies dormant in the nerve cells in your skin and may emerge again as an active infection at or near the original site. You may experience an itch or heightened sensitivity at the site preceding each attack. Fever, menstruation, stress and exposure to the sun may trigger a recurrence.

When to seek medical advice
Cold sores generally clear up on their own without treatment. However, see your doctor if:

* You have a pre-existing health condition that has compromised your immune system
* The cold sores don't heal within one to two weeks on their own
* Symptoms are severe
* You have frequent recurrences of cold sores
* You experience irritation in your eyes

Complications
Cold sores are contagious. They can pass from one person to another through skin-to-skin contact. The greatest risk of infection is from the time the blisters appear until they have completely dried and crusted over. There is a possibility of spreading the virus for some time even after the skin has healed.

If you have a cold sore, avoid close contact with infants, anyone who has eczema (atopic dermatitis) or people with a suppressed immune system, such as people with cancer, AIDS or an organ transplant. These people are at higher risk of more severe infection.

Herpes simplex infection of the eye causes scarring of the cornea and is a leading cause of blindness in the United States.

Treatment
Cold sores generally clear up without treatment in seven to 10 days. If you experience frequent bouts, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication to treat cold sores. Using a medication may shorten the duration of cold sores and decrease your pain.

Prevention
You can take steps to guard against cold sores, to prevent spreading them to other parts of your body or to avoid passing them along to another person:

* Avoid kissing and skin contact with people while blisters are present. The virus can spread easily as long as there are moist secretions from your blisters. In persons with depressed immune systems, the virus can be spread even after the skin appears to be healed.
* Avoid sharing items. Utensils, towels and other items can spread the virus when blisters are present.
* Keep your hands clean. Wash your hands carefully before touching another person when you have a cold sore.
* Be careful about touching other parts of your body. Your eyes and genital area may be particularly susceptible to spread of the virus.
* Avoid triggers. If possible try to avoid or prevent conditions that stress your body, such as getting a cold or the flu, not getting enough sleep or staying in the sun for long periods of time without applying sunblock.
* Use sunblock. Apply sunblock to your lips and face before prolonged exposure to the sun — during both the winter and the summer — to help prevent cold sores.

Self-care
Cold sores generally clear up without treatment. In the meantime, the following steps may provide relief:

* Use creams. Over-the-counter (OTC) creams can provide comfort, but don't expect them to speed healing.
* Take an OTC pain reliever. These include aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others). But don't give aspirin to children. Aspirin may trigger a rare but potentially fatal disorder known as Reye's syndrome.
* Use cold or heat. Try applying ice or warm compresses to the blisters to ease the pain.
* Let it heal. Avoid squeezing, pinching or picking at any blister.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

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Answer 4

Cold sores are caused by Herpes Simplex Virus I. They first appear 3 - 10 days after exposure and can last up to three weeks. The virus then remains in the body forever and repeated outbreaks are triggered by several factors. These factors include: a fever or cold, exposure to the sun, stress, severe fatigue, or suppression of the immune system. These blisters are very contagious. You can even spread them to yourself. Be careful when washing your face when you have an outbreak. Never use the towel you dried your face with on another part of your body. Cold Sores are Herpes Simplex Virus 1 as opposed to Herpes Simplex Virus 2, or genital herpes. It is rare, but you can give your partner type 1 during oral sex and they can therefore have type 1 in the genital area. Acyclovir (Zovirax) for can be prescribed for the treatment and prevention of Herpes Simplex Virus 1. It would be a good idea to consult your doctor about this to help cut down the chances of infecting your partner. Also, NEVER kiss babies on the mouth. That's the main method of transfer for cold sores in the first place. That's why you see so many little kids with cold sores.

Answer 5

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Answer 6

You should be fine now that the sore is dry. You are the most contagious right before the cold sore breaks out -- the virus "shedding" phase. Many people feel a tingling sensation during this time.

L-lysine supplements help lots of people. If you have cold sores often, talk to your doctor, there are meds that can help prevent outbreaks and help you from accidentally spreading the herpes virus.

Good Luck and kiss away!!!

Answer 7

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Answer 8

Lysine is great, but get some Herpilyn cream. It is a great remedy and will stop a sore cold if you treat it in the early stages.

Answer 9

There's a really great cream called Zovirax - if you use it early it nevers gets to that scab stage. When the scab falls off if the skin is still not fully closed it can still be infectious. Hold off until the color is back to normal!

Answer 10

cold sores are most contagious right before and during the outbreak. it is possible to transmit the virus at any time.

Answer 11

You have oral herpes and you are continually contagious for the rest of your life, to some degree. I would say that the safest thing to do is wait until the skin has completely healed.