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Herpes Simplex Virus (Cold Sores)
Cold sores are small blisters around the mouth or on the gums caused by the Herpes Simplex virus. Once infected, the virus is dormant for a long period of time, and appears as part of a cold, or if the immune system is depressed.Symptoms:
- Tingling of the lips
- Small blister or cluster on the lips and mouth that
enlarge, burst and crust over
- Itching and irritation of the lips, mouth or gums. Soreness lasts 3-7 days.
Treatment:
- Antiviral medication
- Over-the-counter cold sore medication
Source: Centers for Disease Control
Herpes Zoster (Shingles)
Shingles occurs when the varicella-zoster virus (chickenpox) is re-activated. The result is a painful rash of small blisters anywhere on the body. After a person has chickenpox, he virus lies dormant in the nerves. Shingles often occurs in individuals with a depressed immune system, and in persons over age 50.
Symptoms:
- Skin hypersensitivity in the area where shingles
appears – typically, the trunk and buttocks.
- Mild rash that appears afar five days and looks like
small, red spots that turn into blisters.
- Blisters turn yellow and dry. Rash usually goes away in 1-2 weeks, and is localized to one side of the body.
Diagnosis:
- Medical history.
- Skin scraping of blisters to determine if the virus is
shingles.
- Blood tests.
Treatment:
- Antiviral medication to less symptoms, and help
alleviate pain
- Like the original chickenpox, shingles must run its course.
Source: Centers for Disease Control |
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