Cold Sores Update

I went to the dermatologist this morning for another checkup.
She told me that I can already stop the anti-viral cream.
The wound is already drying and healing, but...

It seems that it was infected and so it's producing pus.
She prescribed an anti-bacterial cream for the infected wound.

She also noted that it's not as contagious like chicken pox.
But even so, I've decided to take a week long vacation just
to make sure I don't make any physical contact with my friends.

I'm looking forward to going back to the office next week. :)

HSV-1

The dermatologist confirmed this morning that I've got cold sores.

According to some web resources,
it is caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1 or HHV-1).

I was worried when I first found out.
That's because I immediately associated it with STD.
Maybe it's just the word "herpes" that sounds scary.
We usually hear people crack jokes about it.
Making it more scary and embarrassing.

But after I've read several articles about it.
I came to understand it more and realized that there's
more to it than what some people would know.

HSV-1 is just one type of the 8 human herpes viruses.
Chickenpox (HHV-3) is also one of them.
The virus is very common, some people might already
have it, it is just that the virus have not yet manifested
itself. It's also contagious when it is active.
Shared eating utensils, razors and towels may spread this infection.

Unfortunately, like common flu, there is no cure for the virus
and it is also recurring near the place of original infection.
After the primary infection, the virus will stay dormant.
As long as your immune system stays strong or until you
crack or injure your lips.

This site http://www.herpes.org.uk/ provides good information
about herpes viruses.

Since I'm having cold sores right now.
I've decided not to go to the office for a while,
in order to prevent myself from infecting other people.

Early Vacation?

Looks like I'm going on an early vacation...
Just for a different reason. T_T
Some stroke of bad luck huh?

I'm getting a doctor's opinion tomorrow just to make sure.
Hopefully, it's not as bad as it looks to be...

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Cold Sore Facts

Approximately 40 million people are effected by cold sores each year.
Cold sores generally appear around the mouth and on the lips.

Factors that can activate a cold sore or fever blister

• infections
• over exposure to sunlight - Beach party?
• fever
• refined sugars - Chips Ahoy? Coffee?
• stress - Family?
• fatigue - Japanese Bosses?
• hormonal changes

Symptoms and stages of cold sores

• 1) Tingling discomfort or itching - Yes
• 2) Redness and swelling - Yes
• 3) Eruption of lesion - Soon?
• 4) Oozing of lesion
• 5) Lesion dries and forms a thin yellowish scab

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http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/coldsores.htm
http://healing.about.com/cs/conditions/a/coldsores.htm
http://www.dentalhealth.org.uk/faqs/leafletdetail.php?LeafletID=56