Cold Sores
A cold sore is a group of tiny, painful blisters caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). They’re also called fever blisters or herpes simplex labialis.
Up to 90% of people around the world have at least one form of HSV.
The symptoms are usually the most severe the first you time you get cold sores. A first-time cold sore can make a child seriously ill.
After the first outbreak, your body should make antibodies and you may never have another infection. But many people get cold sores that come back.
Cold sores are very common and can be treated very effectively with lasers at our dental practice.
Cold Sore Symptoms
Cold sores are most likely to show up on the outside of your mouth and lips, but you can also get them on your nose and cheeks.
You may get cold sores as late as 20 days after you’re infected. The sore might appear near where the virus entered your body.
Cold sores happen in stages:
- You have a tingling, burning, or itching feeling.
- About 12 to 24 hours later, blisters form. The area becomes red, swollen, and painful.
- The blisters break open, and fluid comes out. This usually lasts 2 or 3 days.
- A scab forms on the sore. It might crack or bleed.
- The scab falls off.
You might also have red or swollen gums, swollen glands in your neck, fever, or muscle aches.
Cold Sore Diagnosis
Your dentist or doctor might diagnose a cold sore just by looking at the blisters.
Cold Sore Treatment
There’s no cure for cold sores. Once you have the virus, it stays in your body. The sores themselves usually heal on their own in 1 or 2 weeks.
Antiviral medications can speed healing, especially if you take them at the first sign of an outbreak. Your doctor might tell you to use:
How Does The Laser Help Cold Sores
It reduces the pain after applying the laser onto the cold sore for 30 seconds
Cold Sore Prevention
To lower your risk of another outbreak:
- Get plenty of rest. A lack of sleep weakens your immune system, so you get sick more easily.
- Wear lip balm with sunscreen. Look for SPF on the label.
- Talk with your doctor. If you get sores often, they might have you take an antiviral medicine every day.
To stop spreading the virus, when you have cold sores, don’t:
- Kiss anyone
- Share eating utensils, glasses, towels, lipstick or lip balm, or razors
