Along with the commonly known five cold sore stages, there also exists the sixth stage. 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 inactive. At this point, the herpes virus, which is the trigger for cold sores, is present in the nerve ganglia however isn’t actively causing symptoms - however it is still transmissible to a partner! About 33% of those with the virus don’t even know they have it at this stage, and won’t progress any further. When someone has a cold sore, it is not always recognized. The cause of this is that the cold sore may be in the latent stage. The presence of a cold sore will only be established by a positive blood test. No action or medicine is required during this often permanent cold sore stage, at least until the virus progresses.

Prodome is the name given to the first of the palpable cold sore stages. The dormant virus becomes active and rises to the exterior of the facial skin via the nerve endings. The virus has begun to set in when you feel dryness, itching and burning or tingling feelings. This will last for up to two days before it moves on to stage two.

Pre-sore or inflammation is the second cold sore stage. The nerve cells are infected by the virus, oftentimes resulting in redness and irritation. Pimple-like blisters appear on the skin at first, and are painful to touch. At this stage headaches and fevers frequently start.

The third stage of your cold sore’s path takes place when you see the small pimples bursting open and becoming one large, open sore. The pain can actually be so bad throughout this phase that individuals take to their beds. Because the discharge from the sore is filled with viruses, this would be the most infectious stage. Any area that’s in touch with the infected body part can become infected too.

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 oozing from the sore it’s still in a very infectious stage. During this phase, you may see the formation of a scab and have it fall off up to 4 times. Next you will likely feel discomfort from the new skin developing under the scab and this can become quite itchy.

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 exterior with new cells that have been damaged being replaced. The patient shouldn’t feel this final healing process, and the tenderness will recede in 2 weeks.

You don’t have to spend a lot of money on prescription medications to treat your cold sores. There are lots of natural remedies you can use that are cheap and effective too, from tea bags to salt for cold sore treatment. Find out more at Cold Sore Home Remedies.

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