It is probably the case that you or someone in your immediate family occasionally suffers from cold sores. In fact, by age 50, an estimated 80-90% of adults are infected with the virus that causes cold sores! Also called fever blisters, this common ailment is nothing serious; but it is sometimes painful and embarrassing. What are these unsightly blisters? How are they spread? And how can you help prevent them? Keep reading to find out! |
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Cold sores derive their name because they often occur during a viral illness, like a cold. They are characterized as small clusters of blisters that usually form around the mouth or on the lips. The herpes simplex virus is the cause of these sores, although a person can be infected and never have an outbreak or show any symptoms at all. Factors that can trigger a cold sore outbreak include stress, fever, and trauma to the mouth area, like sunburn or a surgical procedure. |
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Those who are infected with this herpes virus tend to be able to feel a cold sore coming on. Symptoms like tingling, soreness, and redness serve as warning signs and are a good indicator to begin treatment. Although a cold sore will heal eventually on its own, antiviral medications taken by mouth as well as topical creams may serve to shorten the outbreak by a day or so. There is no quick-fix or cure for the cold sore virus.
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Once a person has been infected with the herpes simplex virus, the virus will always remain in the body, no matter if the person ever has an outbreak. But there are tactics to minimize the frequency of fever blister outbreaks in those patients who are symptomatic. A few of them are listed below:
- Try to maintain a moderate to low stress level.
- Take extra precautions during cold and flu season not to get sick.
- Diligently use lip balm and sunscreen on your face daily.
- Avoid sharing things like razors, eating utensils, and lip balm with a person with a cold sore.
- Prescription pills can be effective in preventing outbreaks. Discuss this option with your doctor.
If you have any questions about treatment or prevention of cold sores, we would love to help you find answers. Please don't hesitate to contact our office. |
