What are the Stages of Herpes
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Tingling
The first stage of herpes is the tingling stage. The Academy of General Dentistry states that this stage occurs on the first day of herpes. At this stage, you may feel tingling, itching and burning under the skin. This feeling is a signal that the herpes will come out in a short time. According to the National Health Service in England, applying antiviral cream at this stage can alleviate symptoms and speed up the healing process.
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Swelling
On the second or third day of the cold sore, the blistering phase occurs. At this stage, small, fluid-filled blisters appear. These blisters may appear along the border line where the lips end.
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Airplane Explosion
On the fourth day of the flight, the next stage takes place. The previously formed fluid-filled blisters burst. This leaves painful open sores known as ulcers. It is very important to know that this is typically the most contagious stage of herpes stages. Take care to wash your hands after touching the herpes sore.
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Crusting
Eventually, the bursting bubbles begin to dry up. This happens on days five to eight of the cold sore. The blisters develop as yellowish or brownish crusts. The crusts fall off on their own.
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Healing
The recovery phase is the last of the herpes stages and it is something that herpes patients look forward to. This stage takes place on the ninth to twelfth day of a cold sore.
The scabs flake off and are replaced by new, smaller crusts. This continues until the herpes is completely healed.
Recovery can take 2 to 4 weeks, so be patient. Usually there is no scar, but herpes may return later.
Why Does Herpes Return?
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) causes herpes sores. This virus is very common and has no cure. The HSV-1 virus remains dormant in nerve cells and can be “awakened” by multiple triggers. These triggers can include stress, hormonal changes, fatigue or sun exposure.
Medicines are available for people with frequent cold sores. Antiviral medications can be used to help prevent herpes sores in people who suffer from frequent cold sores, and they can help herpes sores heal more quickly. Talk to your doctor or dentist to find out if these medications are right for you.
Also, identifying herpes sore triggers can help you keep these painful sores at bay. For example, if you notice herpes sores during stressful times, it may be helpful to learn ways to control the stress on you. With a little trial and error, you can learn your triggers.
Oral Care When You Have Herpes
When you have cold sores, you may not want to brush your teeth. It’s important to maintain a regular oral hygiene routine, even if you don’t feel well.
Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day will help keep your teeth and gums healthy. It’s a good idea to change the toothbrush after the herpes sore has healed.
If you get cold sores frequently, your doctor or dentist can help you overcome them.
