cold sore

Question 1

what are the inital symptoms of cold sores?

Answer 1

Initial symptoms of pain, burning, tingling, itching, and paraesthesia which precede the
lesions and typically last 6–48 hours

Question 2

how is herpes simplex type 1 transmitted?

Answer 2

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is usually transmitted during childhood via direct
contact (kissing, sharing utensils etc.) with infected secretions entering via the skin or
mucous membranes, from a person who is actively shedding the virus to a HSV-
seronegative person

Question 3

what are the red flags of cold sores?

Answer 3

• Unresponsive to over the counter treatment options
• Unexplained ulceration in the oral cavity lasting for more than 3 weeks.
• A suspicious lump on the lip or in the oral cavity
• A red, or red and white, patch in the oral cavity
• Has frequent (for example, 6 or more episodes in one year), persistent and/or severe
episodes of recurrent oral herpes simplex infection - prophylactic oral antiviral treatment
may be needed
• Immunocompromised patients – prophylactic oral antiviral treatment may be needed.

Question 4

what are the lifestyle for cold sores?

Answer 4

• oral herpes simplez are usually self limiting and that lesion should heal without scarring
• avoid kissing or oral sex
• do not share things with other peopl
• avoid contact with immunocompromised high rsik peoiple
• advise people to avoid triggers like stress and sunlihg

Question 5

what are the drug treatment options for cold sores?

Answer 5

• Paracetamol and/or ibuprofen is sufficient to provide symptomatic relief of pain and fever
• Aciclovir cream 5% - topical antiviral medication which can be bought GSL

Question 6

how should acivlovir be used for cold sores?

Answer 6

o A thin film of cream should be applied to the infected and immediately adjacent skin areas 5 times daily at 4-hour intervals during the day omitting the night time application
o Treatment should be continued for 5 days, followed by a further 5 days treatment if healing has not occurred
o Patients should wash their hands before and after applying the cream and avoid unnecessary rubbing of the lesion or touching them with a towel, to avoid aggravating or transferring the infection