Cold sores are small, painful blisters that develop on the lips and around the mouth These sores are caused by a viral infection known as herpes simplex More specifically, Herpes Simplex Type 1 is typically the cause of cold sores This condition is very common, affecting around 67% of the global population Here’s what you should know about cold sores, including how to treat them when they surface
How did I get cold sores?
Cold sores are highly contagious, so it is possible to get a cold sore from,
- Kissing an infected person
- Sharing utensils and drinking from the same glass as an infected person
- Oral sex
While the herpes simplex virus is typically considered a sexually transmitted disease when it comes to cold sores many cases of HSV1 are passed between family members If you have a parent or grandparent who has cold sores who has also kissed you or shared food and drink items with you, then chances are good that you got your cold sore from them
What are the symptoms of a cold sore?
Before a blister even develops, you may notice burning, tingling, pain, or itching around the affected area of the lip If this is your first time dealing with a cold sore, it is common for the first outbreak to be the worst In this case, you may develop a fever, body aches, or other flu-like symptoms
The cold sore itself may look like a cluster of blisters or an inflamed, open sore Eventually, the blister will scab over and go away, usually in about two weeks
How can I treat a cold sore?
When it comes to treating a cold sore, you can find simple over-the-counter creams that help to ease symptoms If you deal with severe cold sore outbreaks you may wish to talk with your dermatologist about a prescription antiviral medication, that can help to reduce the length of your outbreak and reduce symptom severity
Are cold sores and canker sores the same thing?
Cold sores and canker sores can often be mistaken for each other, but they are not the same First, cold sores usually develop on the lips while canker sore cause painful sores to develop in the mouth Secondly, cold sores are due to a virus while we still don’t know exactly what causes canker sores
If you are dealing with cold sores your dermatologist can provide you with both over-the-counter and prescription options, depending on the severity of your symptoms If you have questions about cold sores, call your dermatologist today