Along with the commonly known five cold sore stages, there also exists the sixth stage. The sixth stage, which is really the first one, never has any symptoms or leads to any pain. This little known cold store stage is in fact the phase where the cold store does nothing, or is dormant. At this point, the herpes virus, which is the trigger for cold sores, is present in the nerve ganglia however is not 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 somebody has a cold sore, it’s not always identified. This is because the cold sore might be in the dormant stage. The presence of a cold sore will only be established by a positive blood test. No action or medicine is required during this frequently permanent cold sore stage, at least until the virus progresses.

The first obvious stage of cold sores is called Prodome. If you have a cold sore, the first thing that will happen is the virus will activate, and travel to the surface of the face. The virus has begun to take root 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.

After the first stage of cold sores comes the second which is called inflammation or a “pre-sore.” The virus enters the nerve cells, and redness and irritation transpire. The first small blisters to appear on the skin are pimple-like, normally in small clusters, and painful to the touch. At this stage headaches and fevers frequently start.

The third stage of your cold sore’s path occurs when you see the small pimples bursting open and becoming one large, open sore. The pain can in fact be so bad during this phase that folks take to their beds. At this stage, any discharge is probably to contain viruses, hence, this is the most infectious period. Any area that’s in touch with the infected body part can become infected too.

Scab formation is the fourth cold sore stage. The scab will begin to crack with the movements of your face and this can become quite painful at times. This remains an extremely infectious period with the pus continuing to emerge from the sore. A scab will likely develop and fall off several times while the cold sore is in this stage. The formation of new skin under the scab will cause itchiness and discomfort.

The cold sore is near healing when the scab falls off and new skin is revealed. The healing process is almost complete now, as the new skin will form and strengthen; but further healing is still going on beneath the exterior with new cells that have been damaged being replaced. The patient won’t feel this final healing process, and the tenderness will recede in 2 weeks.

There are a number of really effective ways to help cure cold sores, right in your own home. From garlic to aloe vera for cold sore relief, there’s something that should work for you. Learn more at Home Remedies for Cold Sores.