Medical knowledge, Patient Education
Cold Sore
PATIENT EDUCATION
Cold Sore
A cold sore, also called a fever blister, is a small, fluid-filled sore that forms inside the mouth or on the lips, gums, nose, chin, or cheeks. Cold sores can spread to other parts of the body, such as the eyes, fingers, or genitals.
Cold sores can spread from person to person (are contagious) until the sores crust over completely. Most cold sores go away within 2 weeks.
What are the causes?
Cold sores are caused by an infection from a common type of herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). HSV-1 is closely related to the HSV-2virus, which is the virus that causes genital herpes, but these viruses are not the same. Once a person is infected with HSV-1, the virus remains permanently in the body.
HSV-1 is spread from person to person through close contact, such as through kissing, touching the affected area, or sharing personal items such as lip balm, razors, a drinking glass, or eating utensils.
What increases the risk?
You are more likely to develop this condition if you:
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Are tired, stressed, or sick.
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Are menstruating.
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Are pregnant.
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Take certain medicines.
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Are exposed to cold weather or too much sun.
What are the signs or symptoms?
Symptoms of a cold sore outbreak go through different stages. These are the stages of a cold sore:
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Tingling, itching, or burning is felt 1–2 days before the outbreak.
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Fluid-filled blisters appear on the lips, inside the mouth, on the nose, or on the cheeks.
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The blisters start to ooze clear fluid.
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The blisters dry up, and a yellow crust appears in their place.
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The crust falls off.
In some cases, other symptoms can develop during a cold sore outbreak. These can include:
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Fever.
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Sore throat.
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Headache.
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Muscle aches.
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Swollen neck glands.
How is this diagnosed?
This condition is diagnosed based on your medical history and a physical exam. Your health care provider may do a blood test or may swab some fluid from your sore and then examine the swab in the lab.
How is this treated?
There is no cure for cold sores or HSV-1. There is also no vaccine for HSV-1. Most cold sores go away on their own without treatment within 2 weeks. Medicines cannot make the infection go away, but your health care provider may prescribe medicines to:
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Help relieve some of the pain associated with the sores.
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Work to stop the virus from multiplying.
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Shorten healing time.
Medicines may be in the form of creams, gels, pills, or a shot.
Follow these instructions at home:
Medicines
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Take or apply over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
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Use a cotton-tip swab to apply creams or gels to your sores.
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Ask your health care provider if you can take lysine supplements. Research has found that lysine may help heal the cold sore faster and prevent outbreaks.
Sore care
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Do not touch the sores or pick the scabs.
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Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Do not touch your eyes without washing your hands first.
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Keep the sores clean and dry.
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If directed, put ice on the sores. To do this:
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Put ice in a plastic bag.
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Place a towel between your skin and the bag.
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Leave the ice on for 20 minutes, 2–3 times a day.
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Remove the ice if your skin turns bright red. This is very important. If you cannot feel pain, heat, or cold, you have a greater risk of damage to the area.
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Eating and drinking
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Eat a soft, bland diet. Avoid eating hot, cold, or salty foods.
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Use a straw if it hurts to drink out of a glass.
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Eat foods that are rich in lysine, such as meat, fish, and dairy products.
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Avoid sugary foods, chocolates, nuts, and grains. These foods are rich in a nutrient called arginine, which can cause the virus to multiply.
Lifestyle
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Do not kiss, have oral sex, or share personal items until your sores heal.
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Stress, poor sleep, and being out in the sun can trigger outbreaks. Make sure you:
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Do activities that help you relax, such as deep breathing exercises or meditation.
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Get enough sleep.
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Apply sunscreen on your lips before you go out in the sun.
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Contact a health care provider if:
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You have symptoms for more than 2 weeks.
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You have pus coming from the sores.
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You have redness that is spreading.
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You have pain or irritation in your eye.
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You get sores on your genitals.
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Your sores do not heal within 2 weeks.
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You have frequent cold sore outbreaks.
Get help right away if:
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You have a fever and your symptoms suddenly get worse.
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You have a headache and confusion.
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You have tiredness (fatigue) or loss of appetite.
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You have a stiff neck or sensitivity to light.
Summary
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A cold sore, also called a fever blister, is a small, fluid-filled sore that forms inside the mouth or on the lips, gums, nose, chin, or cheeks.
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Most cold sores go away on their own without treatment within 2 weeks. Your health care provider may prescribe medicines to help relieve some of the pain, work to stop the virus from multiplying, and shorten healing time.
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Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Do not touch your eyes without washing your hands first.
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Do not kiss, have oral sex, or share personal items until your sores heal.
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Contact a health care provider if your sores do not heal within 2 weeks.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.
