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 Cold sores are caused by a viral infection that attacks the skin and nervous system. Cold sores are small, painful, fluid-filled blisters on the mouth or nose.
Certain strains of the herpes virus cause cold sores. Herpes simplex virus type 1 usually causes cold sores. Herpes simplex virus type 2 is usually responsible for genital herpes.
However, either type of the virus can cause sores in the facial area or on the genitals. You get cold sores from another person who has an active lesion. Shared eating utensils, razors and towels may spread this infection.
Once you've had an episode of cold sores, the virus lies dormant in the nerve cells in your skin and may emerge again as an active infection at or near the original site.
When to seek medical advice
Cold sores generally clear up on their own in 7 to 10 days without treatment. However, see your doctor if you have a pre-existing health condition that has compromised your immune system
- The cold sores don't heal within one to two weeks on their own
- Symptoms are severe
- You have frequent recurrences of cold sores
- You experience irritation in your eyes
Self-care
Use creams. Over-the-counter (OTC) creams can provide comfort, but don't expect them to speed healing.
Take an OTC pain reliever. These include aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others). But don't give aspirin to children. Aspirin may trigger a rare but potentially fatal disorder known as Reye's syndrome.
Use cold or heat. Try applying ice or warm compresses to the blisters to ease the pain.
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You can take steps to guard against cold sores, to prevent spreading them to other parts of your body and to avoid infecting others :
- Avoid kissing and skin contact with people while blisters are present. The virus can spread easily as long as there are moist secretions from your blisters.
- In persons with depressed immune systems, the virus can be spread even after the skin appears to be healed.
- Avoid sharing items. Utensils, towels and other items can spread the virus when blisters are present.
- Keep your hands clean. Wash your hands carefully before touching another person when you have a cold sore.
- Be careful about touching other parts of your body. Your eyes and genital area may be particularly susceptible to contract the virus.
- Avoid triggers. If possible try to avoid or prevent conditions that stress your body, such as getting a cold or the flu, not getting enough sleep or staying in the sun for long periods of time without applying a sunblock.
- Use sunblock. Apply sunblock to your lips and face before prolonged exposure to the sun — during both the winter and the summer — to help prevent cold sores.
Supplement
Vitamin B complex – important for healing and immune function
Zinc – stimulates immune function to fight the virus.
Vitamin C – fights the virus and boosts immune function. Use a buffered form.
Acidophilus – inhibits pathogenic organisms
Echinacea – helps to promote good immune system
Medication
Aciclovir cream – Topical anti-viral cream active against Herpes viruses. To be applied 5 times daily.
Oral acyclovir – Only effective if started at the onset of the episode. To be given at 200mg 5 times daily for 5 days.
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