Summary
Cold sores, caused by the human herpesvirus, are common and highly contagious, affecting over half of Americans aged 14 to 49. They typically appear as blisters on the lips or around the mouth and can be triggered by factors such as stress, fatigue, and sun exposure. While most cold sores heal on their own, antiviral creams, pain relievers, and home remedies can help manage symptoms and reduce healing time. Prescription medications are also available for those who experience frequent outbreaks. Individuals should consult a dermatologist to determine the best treatment plan based on their specific circumstances.
Cold sores are a common skin condition caused by a virus called the human herpesvirus (HHV). According to the American Academy of Dermatology more than half of Americans ages 14 to 49 carry the virus that causes cold sores. These sores are small blisters that typically form on the lip or around the mouth and are highly contagious.
According to Dr. Abigail Donnelly, board-certified dermatologist with Forefront Dermatology in Carmel, Indiana,
Cold sores are sometimes confused for canker sores. Canker sores are different because they do not stem from a virus and occur inside of the mouth virus on the skin of the lips or around the mouth.
The cold sore virus sits dormant until it is triggered. These triggers may include:
• Stress
• Fatigue
• A cold, fever or the flu
• Exposure to the sun
• Hormonal changes
• Exterior trauma such as shaving, accidental cuts, dental work or facial treatments
“Most cold sores will heal on their own overtime,” added Dr. Donnelly, “but there are steps you can take to manage your symptom and abbreviate the duration of the episode”
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Find a location near you• Apply antiviral cream at the first sign of burning, itching or tingling around the mouth. This will help slow the reproduction of the virus and relieve the symptoms
• Take an ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help reduce pain and inflammation
• Avoid acidic foods like tomatoes and oranges - when coming in contact with the cold sores, these acidic foods can further irritate the skin and increase pain
• Place a cool, damp towel on the cold sores for 5 to 10 minutes, a few times a day to reduce redness and irritation
While most cold sores heal on their own within a few weeks, prescription medication can be prescribed that will shorten that window. If you frequently get cold sores, speak with your local board-certified dermatologist to find the right treatment plan for you.
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About Forefront Dermatology
At Forefront Dermatology, we believe that healthy, beautiful skin is a reflection of overall well-being. That's why we're committed to providing the highest quality skin and body care, backed by cutting-edge technology and a team of world-class experts. In other words, we're always at the forefront of skin and body healthcare.
Our goal isn't just about how you look on the outside. We aim to transform lives.
By delivering industry-leading skin and body healthcare to more people in more places, we move closer and closer to this goal for thousands of people every day.