Cold sores are small, blister-like lesions that tend to form on the lips, chin, or cheeks, or in the nostrils. They less frequently appear on the gums or the roof of the mouth. Cold sores usually cause pain, a burning sensation, or itching before they burst and crust over. People sometimes call them fever blisters. The most common cause of cold sores is the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Other times, these sores result from an infection with a different strain, called herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). In the United States, 48.1% of all people aged 14–49 years have HSV-1, making them more susceptible to cold sores. There is no way to cure or prevent these sores, but a person can take steps to reduce the frequency and duration of outbreaks. The viral strains that cause cold sores, usually HSV-1 and less often HSV-2, are highly contagious and transmit easily during close contact, such as sexual contact. After the virus enters the body, a person may have:
It is possible for oral herpes sores, or cold sores, to develop around the genitals if transmission happens during oral sex. A cold sore outbreak typically lasts 1–2 weeks, without treatment, before the body’s immune system suppresses the virus. The virus does not leave the body, and though it remains inactive most of the time, it can periodically reactivate to cause cold sores. Most people with oral herpes do not realize it until they experience cold sores or other symptoms. Some people have just one outbreak and no reoccurrence because the virus stays dormant. Others may have frequentoutbreaks that continue for many years. What is genital herpes? Some people with oral herpes have no symptoms, and others only experience them after the first exposure to the virus. Still, at least 25% of people with oral herpes experience reoccurring outbreaks. In this case, cold sores often appear in the same locations each time. Initial symptoms of an HSV-1 infection may appear 2–20 days after exposure to the virus and can include:
There may also be an infection of the mouth and gums, known as gingivostomatitis. This lasts for 1–2 weeks and does not reoccur. Also, in adults, an infection of the throat and tonsils called pharyngotonsillitis may develop with the initial oral herpes infection. What does a herpes skin rash look like? A cold sore develops in several stages when it reoccurs.
Without treatment, most cold sores disappear within 1–2 weeks and do not leave a scar. Learn more about the stages of a cold sore. People with reoccurring outbreaks can manage them at home by recognizing the signs and using medication. However, consult a healthcare provider if:
A doctor can usually diagnose the issue by considering the symptoms and making a visual examination, but in some cases — such as if the person has a weakened immune system — they may also order a blood test or take a sample of a sore’s fluid for testing. Some factors that can weaken the immune system include HIV, medications following an organ transplant, some types of cancer, and some cancer treatment. Most cold sore outbreaks resolve in 1–2 weeks without treatment. However, some over-the-counter or prescription medications can shorten an outbreak’s duration and reduce any discomfort or pain, though these do not remove the virus from the body. In most cases, it is best to use treatments as soon as the first signs of an outbreak appear. Why is there no cure for herpes? Find out here. Antiviral creamsOver-the-counter antiviral creams can shorten the duration of an outbreak. Most creams, such as Zovirax and Soothelip, contain acyclovir or penciclovir. A person should apply the cream to the affected area every 2–3 hours for 5 days. Oral antiviral medicationsSome examples of antiviral medications that a person can take by mouth include:
A doctor may prescribe one of these medications if a person has a weakened immune system or otherwise has regular outbreaks. A person takes it once or twicea day. These medications can shorten the duration of an outbreak and may keep them from reoccurring. Here, learn more about cold sore treatments. Pain reliefOver-the-counter options contain an analgesic such as benzocaine or lidocaine. They do not speed the healing process, but they can reduce discomfort. Some pain relief medications for cold sores include:
People should dab these ointments, creams, or gels onto the sores with a Q-tip, and it is important not to share these products. If a person applies the medication with a finger instead, they should wash their hands before and after. Some alternate options include medications such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). Home remediesSome people find that the following home care techniques relieve cold sore symptoms:
There is no scientific evidence that these remedies work or are safe. Learn more about whether home remedies might help treat herpes. Rarely, oral herpes can lead to complications, especially in people with weakened immune systems. Possible complications include:
Encephalitis can be life threatening. When sores are present, try to:
Cold sores can be a painful and disruptive symptom of oral herpes. Many people do not experience complications and can manage outbreaks at home with over-the-counter or prescription treatment. Anyone with a weakened immune system should let a doctor know if they have cold sores or any other oral herpes symptoms. Recognizing the early indications of an outbreak and using treatment right away can help. Without treatment, cold sores often disappear within 1–2 weeks. Read the article in Spanish. |