A cold sore is a single or group of small blisters that appears on the lip or around the mouth and is caused by reactivation of the herpes simplex virus (HSV). More than half of Americans carry the HSV virus, and a cold sore happens when the virus reactivates from lying dormant in sensory nerves. Most people catch the virus when they are a child, and some people never have a skin reaction at the time of infection. Symptoms of reactivation causing a cold sore often include a burning sensation, itching, or slight numbness. A cold sore usually clears on its own within about 2 weeks, but there are treatment options to help it clear faster or even to help prevent cold sores. Cold sores are contagious initially when the blisters are forming but are no longer contagious once scabbed over.
Sometimes there are triggers that can cause this type of skin virus to reactivate to cause a cold sore. These can include:
- Stress
- Fatigue
- Recent illness, such as a cold or the flu
- Dental work
- Destructive treatment by a dermatologist around the mouth
- Injury or cuts in the area prone to cold sores
- Cosmetic surgery or laser treatment
- Sunlight and sunburns
- Certain food
- Hormonal changes or menstrual cycles
Cold sores are usually diagnosed by a dermatologist just by looking at the blisters, but sometimes a swab of an unbroken blister can be tested in the lab to confirm the diagnosis. Occasionally, a skin biopsy may be required to make the diagnosis if the appearance or location is atypical.
Not to worry, there are cold sore treatments and medicines that can be prescribed to treat this skin virus. Cold sores are treated with antiviral medications that can be applied topically and are available over the counter. These cold sore medicines work better for some people than others. Oral antiviral medication will be prescribed by your dermatologist, and may include acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir. These may be provided to be taken in high dose at the onset of a new breakout or at a lower dose every day to help prevent breakouts.
Aside from treatment, it is extremely important to take preventative measures as well to keep this skin virus at bay. Sunscreen is very important to help prevent breakouts. The pain of a cold sore can be lessened by applying ice chips, a non-prescription gel or ointment containing benzocaine, lidocaine, dibucaine, or benzyl alcohol, or taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Avoiding acidic or spicy foods during an outbreak is also recommended to ease the symptoms you receive during an outbreak. Ointment such as Aquaphor or Vaseline will help heal cracked or crusted skin and can help reduce associated pain as well.
Are you looking for a trustworthy dermatologist in the Colorado Springs or Monument area who can help diagnose and treat your cold sores? Contact Summit Dermatology today. Our team of professionals can provide the best cold sore treatments and medicines available to help you treat this skin virus. Give us a call to schedule your first consultation with our professionals.