Question 1

is there a way to differentiate between a cold sore or impetigo inside nose? get occasional cold sores on outer edge of nostril. dangerous to brain?

Accepted Answer

See below: Yes, differentiation can be done with cultures of the fluid looking for bacterial (staph/strep) or herpes.  As for the risk to the brain, the herpes viruses are already in the spinal cord and brain and comes out and manifest as cold sores or shingles, etc. For many reasons.  Unless, you are having severe headaches, neck stiffness and pain, which could indicate meningitis, no need to be worried.

Question 2

i have a cold sore and was wondering whether it could be an impetigo spot?

Accepted Answer

Cold sore: For people who do develop signs and symptoms, a cold sore usually passes through several stages, which include:
tingling and itching. Many people feel an itching, burning or tingling sensation around their lips for a day or two before cold sore blisters erupt.
Blisters. Small fluid-filled blisters typically break out along the border where the outside edge of the lips meets the skin of the face.

Question 3

can cold sore be turned into impetigo?

Accepted Answer

Uncommon: A cold sore is typically caused by a viral infection.  Impetigo is a bacterial infection.  While uncommon, the cold sore can become secondarily infected by the bacteria that causes impetigo.  You should notice a honey-crust appearance with impetigo and a lesion that persists longer than usual.

Question 4

can you have a cold sore that turns into impetigo?

Accepted Answer

Not exactly: Most cold sores are caused by a virus while most impetigo is due to bacteria such as staphylococcus. One does not lead to the other. However, if you have a weakened immune system then you may be at risk to develop both of these problems around the same time.

Question 5

how do cold sores accur?

Accepted Answer

Herpes virus returns: Cold sores on the lips or near the lips, are usually caused by recurrent oral herpes virus. They start as a slightly raised reddish area, then form a cluster of tiny blisters, which break open soon, leaving a sore (ulcer) to heal up over a week. Sores appear more often when one is under stress or is ill from another illness. Younger babies with herpes should see a doctor when a sore appears.

Question 6

how to remove cold sores?

Accepted Answer

Lemon balm: Melissa officinalis or lemon balm (cream) has been shown in european studies to help expedite healing of cold sores.

Question 7

i constantly get cold sores?

Accepted Answer

Can be prevented: Cold sores on the lips or near the lips, are usually caused by oral herpes virus.  Sores appear more often when a person is under stress or is sick from another illness.  For older children and adults who get sores repeatedly, a doctor may prescribe an antiviral (acyclovir, valacyclovir, etc...) to prevent future outbreaks, or to start treating them the moment a lip area starts to tingle or swell.

Question 8

what is the cause of cold sores?

Accepted Answer

Herpes virus, return: Cold sores on the lips or near the lips, are usually caused by recurrent oral herpes virus. They start as a slightly raised reddish area, then form a cluster of tiny blisters, which break open soon, leaving a sore (ulcer) to heal up over a week. Sores appear more often when one is under stress or is ill from another illness. Younger babies with herpes should see a doctor when a sore appears.

Question 9

how to stop recurring cold sores?

Accepted Answer

Talk to MD: First make sure that you don't have an immune problem. May need oral meds and suppression.

Question 10

what are the symptoms of cold sores?

Accepted Answer

Burning and pain: A cold sore is caused by a common virus-herpes simplex. They begin as a burning sensation in the lip area and this is followed by the formation of a blister. The blister ruptures and leaves a painful ulceration that then crusts over and heals within 10-14 days. There are some topical agents that can speed healing or abort the formation of the blister if caught early.

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Doctor answers about:

Impetigo vs cold sores

A member asked:

Is there a way to differentiate between a cold sore or impetigo inside nose? get occasional cold sores on outer edge of nostril. dangerous to brain?

A member asked:

I have a cold sore and was wondering whether it could be an impetigo spot?

A member asked:

Can cold sore be turned into impetigo?

A member asked:

Can you have a cold sore that turns into impetigo?

A member asked:

How do cold sores accur?

A member asked:

How to remove cold sores?

A member asked:

I constantly get cold sores?

A member asked:

What is the cause of cold sores?

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How to stop recurring cold sores?

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What are the symptoms of cold sores?

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