(Oral Herpes · Fever Blister)

In this condition factsheet:

• The facts on Cold Sores


• Causes of Cold Sores


• Symptoms and Complications of Cold Sores


• Diagnosing Cold Sores


• Treating and Preventing Cold Sores

Diagnosing Cold Sores

Cold sores have clear and obvious symptoms, so there's no need for a battery of tests. In any case, they're rarely a matter for the doctor. However, you should see a doctor about any redness and pain in areas other than the lips or mouth, any fever over 38°C (100°F), or if there is thick yellow-white fluid coming from the blisters. This may be a sign of bacteria in the wound. Your doctor can check the fluid from the blisters for the presence of bacteria.

A doctor should also be seen if lesions are present for more than 14 days, if the lesions occur more than 6 times a year, or if you have a cold sore in addition to a condition that weakens your immune system.

Treating and Preventing Cold Sores

There is no known cure for cold sores. Cold sores go away on their own, but some medications may be helpful for preventing the progression of cold sores or for treating cold sore pain.

Medications for treating cold sores:

• Cold sore remedies are available without a prescription. These products are usually liquids, ointments, gels, or balms. They can contain lip moisturizers and protectants to prevent cracking and excessive drying of the lips, or anesthetics that help to reduce the pain of cold sores. These products may help in relieving some symptoms, but will not stop the progression of the sores nor stop the virus replication.
• Docosanol* is an antiviral blocking agent which, if applied when prodrome symptoms arise, may help prevent the cold sore virus from spreading into healthy tissue, limiting the growth of the cold sore. It can reduce the severity of cold sores and shorten the duration of the cold sore episode by about a day.
• Acyclovir*, a prescription antiviral medication, can be applied in an ointment form to the cold sore 4 to 5 times daily. Some products may also contain a corticosteroid (e.g., hydrocortisone). This treatment must be started at the first prodromal signs of your cold sore.
• Acyclovir, famciclovir, or valacyclovir medications can be taken by mouth. These antiviral medications can be more effective when you start taking them within 48 hours  of your symptoms starting, or if you take them when you are exposed to known cold sore triggers (e.g., sunlight). In these cases, these medications can shorten the amount of time it takes for a cold sore to heal, and decrease the duration of painful symptoms.

If possible, try to limit exposure to the triggers described in "Causes." For example, if sunlight tends to give you cold sores, apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your lips and face 30 minutes before going out into the sun. You should also avoid tanning beds. Reducing stress by eating properly and getting enough sleep, exercise, and relaxation may also help prevent cold sores.

If you experience frequent, severe cold sores or have a weak immune system, medication may be prescribed by your doctor on a continuous basis to suppress the virus.

To keep from getting infected with the cold sore virus, it's important to avoid contact with it. Never touch active lesions on other people (through kissing or oral sex).

When cold sores are active, wash your hands frequently to avoid passing the virus on to others. Try to keep away from newborns, pregnant people, or people with weakened immune systems, since they are more susceptible to severe cold sores and other complications from the virus.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/Cold-Sores

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