Cold Sores

Cold sores are small sores, or blister-like lesions, that appear on the lips, chin, cheeks, inside the nostrils, and less frequently on the gums or the roof of the mouth.

Causes

Despite the name, colds don’t cause them! The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is most often the cause. You get it from contact with an infected person’s skin or body fluids. The virus damages your skin as it reproduces. That leaves behind weepy sores that last about a week. Between outbreaks, HSV-1 hides inside nerve cells, so it’s never completely cured.

Prevention

There are some things you can do to keep from getting the herpes simplex virus.

·         Avoid coming into contact with infected body fluids, such as kissing an infected person.

·         Avoid sharing eating utensils, drinking cups, or other items that a person with a cold sore may have used.

After you have been infected with the virus, there is no sure way to prevent more cold sores. But there are some things you can do to reduce your number of outbreaks and prevent spreading the virus.

·         Avoid the things that trigger your cold sores, such as stress and colds or the flu.

·         Always use lip balm and sunscreen on your face. Too much sunlight can cause cold sores to flare.

·         Avoid sharing towels, razors, silverware, toothbrushes, or other objects that a person with a cold sore may have used.

·         When you have a cold sore, make sure to wash your hands often, and try not to touch your sore. This can help keep you from spreading the virus to your eyes or genital area or to other people.

·         Talk to your pharmacist if you get cold sores often. You may be able to take prescription pills to prevent cold sore outbreaks.

 

Treatment

To ease the discomfort of a cold sore:

·         Try other cold sore remedies. Some over-the-counter preparations contain a drying agent, such as alcohol, that may speed healing.

·         Use lip balms and cream. Protect your lips from the sun with a zinc oxide cream or lip balm with sunblock. If your lips become dry, apply a moisturizing cream.

·         Apply a cool compress. A cool, damp cloth may reduce redness, help remove crusting and promote healing.

·         Apply pain-relieving creams. Over-the-counter creams with lidocaine or benzocaine may offer some pain relief.

Speak to your Square 1 Health Group Pharmacist Today

(P) 905-232-4007      (Email) pharmacy@sq1healthgroup.com