How to Identity the Various Cold Sores Stages

In fact there are six cold sore stages, however most books and guides discuss the five cold sore stages only. The sixth stage is in actual fact the very first stage, throughout which there are no physical issues or pain. At this point in time a cold sore is present but not visible, and is therefore in the dormant stage. At this point, the herpes virus, which is the trigger for cold sores, is present in the nerve ganglia however is not actively causing symptoms - but it is still transmissible to a partner! About 33 percent of the people who are infected with the virus stay in this stage, where there's no pain, and they normally don't even know that they carry the infection in their body. A inactive cold sore's ability to stay dormant for so long makes it necessary to conduct a blood test to see if some individuals have it. No action or medicine is required during this often permanent cold sore stage, at least until the virus progresses.

The first tangible stage of a cold sore is referred to as Prodome. The dormant virus wakes up and moves to the surface of your face via the nerve endings. This occurs in the beginning stage of a cold sore. You'll know that the virus is activating when you start to feel tingling or burning, or notice exorbitant itchiness or drying. After one or two days this stage will end and the next will begin.

Pre-sore or inflammation is the second cold sore stage. The nerve cells are infected by the virus, oftentimes resulting in redness and irritation. Small painful groups of blisters resembling pimples will form on the skin and this is usually the first hint. Another frequent indication at this point is the onset of both headaches and fevers.

Things have progressed into the third stage when you have developed an open sore or ulcer within your cold sore as the small pimples will begin to burst. Cold sores can sometimes cause the victim to become bedridden as a result of intense pain. Since the discharge from the sore is full of viruses, this would be the most infectious stage. Any area that's in touch with the infected body part can become infected too.

Formation of the scab takes place in the 4th stage of cold sore development. This stage is quite painful since your facial movements can cause the scab to crack repeatedly. This remains an extremely contagious period with the pus continuing to seep from the abscess. The scab may fall off 3 or 4 times at this point. Next you'll probably feel discomfort from the new skin developing under the scab and this can become quite itchy.

Finally comes the post scab stage when the scab falls off revealing new skin. Your healing will not be complete until the new tissue grows strong as millions of skin cells regenerate beneath the surface. Thankfully the patient will not have to actually feel this process, and the soreness of the new skin should go away within two weeks.

There are a number of really effective ways to help cure cold sores, right in your own home. From lysine to lemon balm for cold sore relief, there's something that should work for you. Learn more at Cold Sore Home Remedies.

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