![]() ![]() If you have frequent outbreaks, consult with your health care provider. For instance, if sun exposure is a trigger, use sun screen when in the sun. If you have had a cold sore, you may prevent or reduce the number of recurrences by determining what triggers your outbreaks and avoiding the trigger. If you have never had a cold sore, avoid skin-to-skin contact with someone who has an active cold sore. Antivirals are usually not recommended for otherwise healthy people. Always consult your health care provider or dentist if the sore does not heal or becomes worse as time passes. Antiviral medications may help, but they need to be started before day 3 or 4 of the blister formation. But, when cold sores return, they usually take a week to heal if no medicines are used. The first time they appear, they can take up to 3 weeks to heal. Over-the-counter topical anesthetics or anti-inflammatory agents may help with symptomsĬold sores take about 1 to 3 weeks to heal. Treatment may include:Īntiviral topical ointments (such as acyclovir and penciclovir)Īntiviral oral medications (such as acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir) How are cold sores treated?Ĭold sores can’t be cured, but, if symptoms are severe, treatment may help relieve some symptoms. If the diagnosis is unclear, he or she may culture the sore by taking a sample of cells using a swab and examining it under a microscope. Your doctor can often diagnose cold sores by examining the sores. Itching, dryness, and irritation of the lips and mouth Small blisters on the lips and mouth that enlarge, burst, then crust over Tingling of the lips, commonly felt before cold sores appear While each person may experience symptoms differently, these are the most common: Some people don’t have any symptoms with the first attack others have flu-like symptoms and ulcers in and around the mouth. Cold sore outbreaks are often triggered by exposure to hot sun, cold wind, a cold or other illness, a weak immune system, or even stress. Once the herpes simplex virus is in you, it can cause outbreaks of cold sores. What causes cold sores?Ĭold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus. Hot sun, cold wind, a cold or other illness, or a weak immune system can cause an outbreak of herpes simplex virus. Episodes of the cold sores last no longer than 2 weeks. Herpes simplex is not curable, but may lie dormant for a long time. ![]() It can be spread by kissing or sharing eating utensils or even sharing towels. They are sometimes called fever blisters. The most common strain of the virus causing cold sores is herpes simplex virus 1. Cold sores are small blisters around the mouth, caused by the herpes simplex virus. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |