Herpes simplex type 1 is the most common cause of cold sores and fever blisters that affect the lips, oral tissues and mucus membranes. These sores occur when you are exposed to the herpes virus, and it enters your bloodstream through an open sore or the mucus membranes. Cold sores are extremely common, but they can also be painful and cause unattractive sores around the mouth. At MJR Dermatology, we provide cold sores treatment at our medical clinic in Lawrenceville, GA.
Cold Sore Symptoms
When a cold sore is forming, you will usually feel a tingling sensation and have an itchy place on your lips. This can occur in the 24 hours before the sore appears. The cold sore or fever blister will start with some small blisters that erupt through the skin, usually on the lips, inside the mouth or around the nose. The blisters are filled with a fluid that eventually oozes out and forms a crusty scab over the sore. The sore can be painful for several days until it finally heals and disappears completely after a few weeks.
Once you have been exposed to the virus that causes cold sores, it stays in your system. Certain events can trigger an outbreak, such as illness (especially with fever), stress, excessive sun exposure and hormonal changes. You can spread the virus through close contact with others, especially when you have an active sore. Kissing someone or having oral sexual contact are the most common ways cold sore viruses are spread from person to person.
Relief from Fever Blisters
While cold sores will heal in about a week and the resulting scab should clear up in 2-3 weeks, many people want faster recovery. There are oral medications that can help speed healing and may help control outbreaks as well as topical creams and ointments. If you have frequent cold sores, you may benefit from medical treatment to shorten outbreaks and reduce frequency.
To learn more about treatment for fever blisters/cold sores, come see us at MJR Dermatology. Contact our office in Lawrenceville, GA, to schedule an appointment with our dermatologist for a cold sore consultation.