There are 8 stages that those annoying cold sores must go through from beginning to end. While many people have to deal with the frustration of a cold sore most do not realize how long and involved these individual stages really are.
Knowing what the signs and symptoms are will give you an opportunity to intervene. You may even be able to reduce the discomfort and severity of those cold sore outbreaks. It is even possible to get rid of a cold sore in a shorter period of time if you realize what cold sore stage you are facing.
Dormant Period or Latent Stage
A cold sore is caused by the Herpes Simplex virus which is related to ‘chicken pox’. During the latency period the virus is present but it is simply dormant and not really creating any problems. You are not contagious during this 1st stage and some people even carry this virus for most of their life without ever experiencing an outbreak.
You can thank your immune system for keeping a close eye on the latent virus. However, if you become unusually stressed from emotional or physical problems it can overtax your immune defenses. When this occurs the Herpes Simplex virus may take advantage of the situation and sweep from its hiding place near the back of the jaw. Once it has moved to the skin surface the virus can quickly begin its process of replication.
Prodrome
The virus moves along your nervous tract which is why you usually notice a tingling, itchy or burning sensation. Some people experience a feeling of uncomfortable dryness in the area where the cold sore is beginning to form. *Some people have reported that they have treated the area of tingling with cold ice 4-5 times a day and this has lessened the severity of the cold sore outbreak.
Inflammation and Swelling
Once the virus is in position at the end of the involved nerve fiber the replication cycle begins to kick into high gear. The inflammation and swelling is the result of your body cells reacting to the Herpes Simplex invasion.
Vesicle Formation
Yep, this is the stage of cold sores where those liquid filled pustules are being formed. Usually they will resemble a blister and they are very painful to any type of touch or sensation. In some instances the cold sore may resemble a zit or a cluster of pimples.
Open Sores
The fragile layer of skin that covers a cold sore will eventually open. The underlying tissue will ooze a clear or yellowish liquid. As all of the pustules erupt the appearance is of one large cold sore that weeps almost constantly.
At this stage of cold sore development some people may even develop other symptoms including enlarged lymph glands and a low grade fever.
This is also the stage at which a cold sore is at the peak of its contagious ability. The live virus is being shed in the oozing liquid and by touch alone it is possible to spread the Herpes Simplex virus to others, or even to your eyes, nasal membranes or genitals.
The good news is that the virus has a very short life once it is outside of the protected host environment. Still it is best to try and avoid coming into direct contact with these open sores as much as possible.
Appearance of Scab or Crust
This is when a scab or crusted area begins to form over the top of the cold sore. The scab often cracks when you eat, smile or drink liquids. In fact any type of lip movement can cause the scab to break open. This can be quite painful because the inflamed area beneath the scab is still very sensitive.
Virus Retreats and Healing Begins
There will be some itching, burning and irritation of the skin as the cold sore attempts to heal. Your immune system is forcing the virus into temporary submission.
Disappearance of Scab and Return to Latent Stage
The scabbed area will heal and disappear. Even a very large cold sore will heal completely and there should be no scar remaining after the Herpes Simplex virus returns to the dormant stage. In some cases an individual may notice that there is a reddened area at the site of the former cold sore, and this may remain visible for up to 2-3 weeks.