Cold sores, also called fever blisters, are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Once a person has been infected with the herpes virus, it lives dormant in that part of the person’s body (in this case the mouth) for life. From time to time it may show up in the form of blisters on or near the lips. Cold sores may be precipitated by sun or tanning light exposure, by illness or fever, by stress, or sometimes no particular reason. Often there is a feeling of itching or tingling preceding the cold sore, then a blister forms which may be itchy or painful, then the blister opens and weeps, and finally it scabs and heals. This process often lasts 7 to 10 days.
Several over-the-counter creams are sold to help cold sores heal faster (example – docosanol 10%) or to relieve the discomfort (examples – tetracaine cream or patches made with camphor and lidocaine). Preliminary studies suggest that zinc oxide/glycine topical cream may shorten outbreaks. You may wish to try one of these products to see if it helps you. There are also prescription creams or ointments that may shorten herpes episodes; your doctor can prescribe one if over-the-counter treatments don’t work. Please note that all treatments work best when used as soon as the tingling is noticed.
For frequent or severe outbreaks there are prescription anti-viral oral medications that may be taken at the onset of an episode to shorten symptoms or, in rare cases, on a daily basis to prevent cold sores. It would be up to your doctor to decide whether your situation would warrant this approach.
Cold sores are contagious, especially during the weeping stage. It is therefore possible to transmit the herpes virus to another person’s mouth or body or even to another part of your own body – for example to fingers that touch the cold sore. So be careful to practice good hygiene and handwashing.
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Posted 2-8-05
