Does malaria cause cold sores or blisters on your lips?
Is Mouth Ulcers, Blisters and Cold Sores Really A Sign Of Malaria?
***Kindly check the image before reading
” Mabel, what happened to your lip?” Sharon asked her friend one Monday morning
“I saw it when I woke up this morning. Mom said its a sign of malaria”
“Yes, it is. I’ve experienced it myself. It shows you’ll soon have malaria”
I’ll get the malaria drug after class today. And I hate malaria drugs because of the bitter taste…
*******
If you’ve had the sore and also thought it’s a sign of malaria, gather here for a selfie. I’m sure we’re plenty on this table. Let’s discuss;
👉 The sore on your lip or around your mouth is known as a COLD SORE. Cold sore is a viral infection that spreads from one person to the other through contact. That is you can get is by hugging, handshake, kissing or sharing eating utensils, towels, toothbrush, razors with another person
👉Cold sore is caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV 1). After infection with HSV 1, it lies dormant on your skin waiting for a trigger. Cold sore does not present immediately after you’re infected with HSV 1. It may take up to 20 days before it appears
👉 Cold sore usually occur in stages;
* Stage 1-you feel an itching, burning or tingling sensation
* Stage 2- blister begin to form and are filled with fluid
* Stage 3- the blister breaks and fluid comes out. Scars from on the affected area which can also spread to the eyes, cheek, tongue or nose
👉 Other triggers of cold sore are exposure to sun light, stress, reduced immunity or use of drugs. Cold sore can resolve on its own but may take up to 10 days.
👉The reason you may mistake cold sore as a sign of malaria is because you may experience malaria like symptoms such as headache, sore throat, high body temperature, stomach upset or body pain.
Cold sore is however not a sign of malaria, and you shouldn’t use an antimalaria unless you carry out tests to prove you have malaria
👉 If you have cold sore, you should;
* Apply Vaseline, lip balm or aloe Vera gel on your lips or affected part to reduce effect if sunlight
* Place ice packed on your lip to reduce swelling
* Use pain control drugs like paracetamol for headaches or body pain
* Have a cool bath if your body is hot
*DO NOT KISS BABIES. Desist from kissing newborns as their immunity is very low and they can contact NEONATAL HERPES which is very deadly
*Separate your eating utensils to prevent spread
*Don’t touch sore unless you’re applying balm on it
*Don’t eat too peppery or salty foods. Reduce stress and have enough rest.
*See your doctor for further care
Live Healthy, Live Wealthy!
Written by Adepoju Toluwalope (RNM)
