Cold sores are red, fluid-filled blisters that form near the mouth and lips. They are caused by infection from the herpes-simplex virus. Some people have yearly or seasonal flare ups of cold sores, while others only experience them once. The best cold sore treatments include home remedies such as sunscreen and ice, as well as the use of prescription medications such as acyclovir and valacyclovir. In the following article we discuss cold sore diagnosis, cover a few easy ways to prevent cold sores, and answer the question how are cold sores treated.
Cold sores, or fever blisters, are a prevalent viral infection that are caused by the herpes-simplex virus. It is estimated that as many as 80% of adults in the United States carry the herpes simplex virus. In most cases, cold sores show up as small, fluid-filled blisters around the lips. These blisters are often grouped together in small patches and usually disappear in two or three weeks, rarely leaving any permanent marks.
Cold sores can be diagnosed by a licensed dermatologist or other medical professional. During the diagnostic procedure, your doctor may look around your lips and mouths for signs of cold sores. If this diagnosis is unclear, further examination in the form of a viral culture test, blood sampling, or antibody study may be necessary.
Cold sores are often best treated through a combination of at-home remedies and prescription medications. Most cold sore outbreaks do not require the attention of a medical professional. The following remedies and medications have shown to be useful in treating cold sores and preventing further outbreaks.
Ice
It is advisable to place ice on the cold sores no more than 3 times a day. Each application should not last for more than 20 minutes. Treating cold sores with ice can help reduce redness and swelling.
Pain Killers
Although cold sores are often painless, they can sometimes produce a burning or itching sensation before they burst. Many people also feel a tingling sensation around their lips while they have cold sores. In cases where pain is significant and debilitating, over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen can be helpful.
Sunscreen
Sunlight is a proven trigger of cold sores, so it is important to protect cold sores from sun damage while they are healing. A sunscreen with an SPF of over 30 can help protect from cold sore outbreaks. Sunlight does not actually cause cold sores. Rather, ultraviolet radiation from the sun can stimulate the herpes simplex virus, leading to an outbreak of cold sores.
Prescription Medications
In cases where cold sores are especially painful, a doctor may prescribe an anesthetic gel or antiviral medication to expedite the healing process. Medications which contain numbing agents such as menthol and phenol are known to reduce scabbing and prevent further cold sore outbreaks. Popular and effective cold sore medications include famciclovir, acyclovir, and valacyclovir.
Avoid Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits which contain large amounts of acid may create a burning sensation upon contact with cold sores. Other foods one should avoid while dealing with cold sores include pizza, pickles, curry, and salted foods, such as peanuts and chips.
Maintaining proper hygiene can go a long way in mitigating outbreaks of cold sores. Cold sores can be activated and prolonged by bacterial infection, making it especially important to adopt proper hygienic practices. The following six tips can help prevent cold sores from breaking out and spreading.
Cold sores, sometimes referred to as fever blisters, are a prevalent symptom of herpes-simplex virus infection. They usually appear around the lips as small, fluid-filled blisters.
An incredibly prevalent, but largely harmless condition, cold sores affect an estimated 50% of the population in the United States. Fortunately, there are many treatment options for cold sores, most of which are accessible and relatively inexpensive. Cold sores can be treated by at-home remedies such as ice and sunscreen, and through the use of prescription medications.
