Case Studies

 Case 11.1 Recurrent cold sores

A 38-year-old woman had been troubled since the age of 8 by recurrent cold sores. Several times each year she would develop a distinctive tingling sensation around her nose or lips, followed several hours later by localized formation of small blisters which crusted, became more painful and gradually cleared over several days. The attacks were often provoked by exposure to strong sunlight. She had a history of troublesome hay fever but was otherwise well. She was able to limit the number of attacks by use of a high-factor sun-block and reduce the severity of each attack by prompt use of aciclovir cream at the onset of symptoms.