What a cold sore says about your memory

Cold sores are not only unsightly to look at and uncomfortable, they can be a sign of serious health problems.

Previous research on cold sores has found that they can be tied to memory loss, but more recent study has made another conclusion about cold sores and your brain.

A cold sore is a form of the herpes simplex virus and can come in two forms – herpes simplex type one (HSV-1) and herpes simplex type two (HSV-2). Type one is the more common of the two forms and usually appears around the mouth. They can burn, cause pain and be itchy, as well as last for quite a number of days.

Although there is no current prevention or cure for cold sores, medications and topical creams can shorten their duration and reduce their frequency.

Cold sores are also highly contagious, so if you have one, try to avoid any close human contact. The majority of the population carries HSV-1 and only when it’s activated does it create the cold sore. Once you do have the virus, you will have it for life.
Read more: http://www.belmarrahealth.com/what-a-cold-sore-says-about-your-memory/