Cold Sores

When Are Coldsores Contagious

Many people in the world today have experienced coldsores. In fact, millions have experienced the discomfort and embarassment of these annoying lesions. If you are wondering why so many people have coldsores, it is because coldsores can be transmitted through contact to other people. The big issue is to know when are coldsores contagious. If more people knew the facts about coldsores, then maybe there would be less instances of transmission and outbreaks.

Coldsores start as a painful or tender spot, usually in the facial area. If the eruption of the coldsore is not contained by the use of some type of germicidal agent, then an eruption occurs. But, when are coldsores contagious? Once the eruption occurs and the sore is visible, it starts to fill with fluid. Once the coldsore is filled with fluid, it will burst, and the fluid will leak out over a period of time. This leaking phase is also referred to as "weeping". After the leaking or "weeping" phase, the coldsore will crust over and form a sort of scab. Then, after a few days, the coldsore will completely heal and disappear.

The answer to the question, "When are coldsores contagious?" is simple. When the coldsore is visible, it is contagious. The best thing to do if you have to touch a cold sore is to wash the part of your body that touched the sore. Always use plenty of soap and water to kill the germs.

You can spread your coldsores to other parts of your body if you are not careful. If you touch a coldsore with your fingers and do not wash your hands immediately, you may infect other parts of your body with the coldsores.

There are many opinions regarding when are coldsores contagious. However, it stands to reason that a person with a coldsore should take precautions so as not pass his or her coldsore to another person. The coldsore is a virus and it most likely will occur again and again, throughout a person's life span. Kissing, sharing towels, washclothes or drinking glasses are all objects of transmission.

Therefore, if someone asks you, "When are coldsores contagious?", you can answer them by telling them that if a coldsore is visible, then it has the potential to be contagious to others. The best advice for a person to follow is to avoid physical contact with any person who has a coldsore, and to avoid using any personal products that the person with the coldsore has used. This includes personal razors used for shaving.