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It is not uncommon to find sources that maintain there are just five stages of cold sores; but there are in fact six. The sixth stage is in actual fact the very first stage, during which there are no physical problems or pain. This little known cold store stage is in fact the phase where the cold store does nothing, or is dormant. At this point the herpes virus that is responsible for cold sores is not active and is hiding in the nerve ganglia. A third of those who contract the virus show no signs of it progressing to another stage. Blood tests are the only indicator of a dormant cold sore stage as it can be very misleading. If you are in this stage of cold sore development, you need not do anything about it, not even take any drugs, for the virus remains inactive.

The first tangible stage of a cold sore is referred to as Prodome. The dormant virus becomes active and rises to the surface of the facial skin by way of the nerve endings. The virus has begun to set in when you feel dryness, itching and burning or tingling sensations. After one or two days this stage will end and the next will begin.

The cold sore will be in pre-formation in stage two, and will be inflamed. This happens when the virus gets into the cells of the nerves and causes redness and discomfort. The first small blisters to appear on the skin are pimple-like, generally in small clusters, and painful to the touch. You might also get a headache and a fever.

In the third stage the tiny boils rupture and leave a big open sore. Cold sores can occasionally cause the victim to become bedridden due to intense pain. Because the discharge from the sore is full of viruses, this would be the most infectious stage. It can infect any other part of your body that is touched or it will infect anyone that comes in contact with it.

The scab forms in the fourth stage. This stage is very painful because your facial movements can cause the scab to crack repeatedly. When the pus is seeping from the sore it’s still in a very contagious stage. A scab will likely develop and fall off several times while the cold sore is in this stage. New skin development that’s occurring will be itchy and uncomfortable.

The fifth stage consists of the scab falling off, with new skin appearing. The healing process is almost complete now, as the new skin will form and strengthen; however further healing is still going on beneath the surface with new cells that have been damaged being replaced. Thankfully the patient will not have to actually feel this process, and the soreness of the new skin ought to 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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