Cold Sore: Treatment, Symptoms, and Diagnosis
Cold sores, They’re painful, annoying, and can do a serious number on your self-esteem.
Nothing can ruin your day quite like the tingling of an impending break-out — but you don’t let these unsightly guests take over.
Whether you’re experiencing your first cold sore outbreak or dealing with a recurring issue, if you’re looking for cold sore treatment, the expert team at Goodskin Dermatology can help.
Keep reading to learn more about the signs and symptoms of cold sores and cold sore treatment options that will have you smiling and confident again in no time.
Table of Contents
- What Are Cold Sores?
- What Are the Symptoms of Cold Sores?
- What Causes Cold Sores?
- How Are Cold Sores Diagnosed?
- What Are Some Cold Sores Treatments?
- When Should I See a Doctor for Cold Sore Treatment?
- Are There Complications to Cold Sores?
- Goodskin Dermatology Provides High-Quality, Patient-Based Care for Cold Sore Treatment
What Are Cold Sores?
Cold sores, also known as fever blisters or herpes simplex labialis, are a group of tiny, painful blisters on or around the lips caused by the highly contagious herpes simplex virus (HSV).
The National Institute of Dental and Cranial Research estimates that up to 90% of adults in the United States have at least one form of HSV.
What Are the Symptoms of Cold Sores?
The symptoms are usually worse the first time you get cold sores. Some people’s bodies make antibodies after the first outbreak that protect them from ever having another infection, while others experience recurring cold sores.
Cold sore symptoms vary, depending on whether you’re experiencing a new or recurring outbreak. For a first-time outbreak, you may not begin to see symptoms for up to 20 days after your exposure to the virus.
Cold sores usually pass through the following stages before running their course:
Itching and Tingling
Many people experience a feeling of burning, itching, or tingling around their lips for a day or more that signals an oncoming cold sore. Following this, a small, hard, painful bump appears and blisters form.
Blisters
Next, small blisters filled with fluid form around your lips. They also sometimes may pop up on your nose, cheeks, or inside your mouth.
Crusting and Oozing
Following their appearance, the blisters may meld together and then burst. This typically results in open, shallow sores that quickly ooze and crust over.
The sores can last several days, with blisters often taking 2 to 3 weeks to completely heal. If an outbreak returns, the blisters frequently appear in the same location each time and are usually less severe than the first outbreak.
Someone experiencing a first-time outbreak may also suffer from:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Painful gums
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Swollen lymph nodes
Children under 5 years of age may get cold sores inside their mouths that are frequently mistaken for canker sores. However, canker sores aren’t caused by the herpes simplex virus and affect only the oral mucous membrane.
If you’re looking for cold sore treatments, look no further than the professionals at Goodskin Dermatology. We’ve been beautifying the skin of Portlanders for years and have four convenient office locations. Contact us today to schedule an initial appointment.
What Causes Cold Sores?
Two forms of HSV can cause cold sores:
- HSV-1 – Most commonly responsible for cold sores
- HSV-2 – Generally causes genital herpes, but may also cause cold sores
Cold sores are caused by coming into contact with someone or something carrying the HSV virus. For example, you could become infected with HPV and get cold sores by kissing someone who has the virus or by using their towels, eating utensils, or razor.
Both types of HSV can also cause sores on your genitals and can be spread by oral sex.
Certain things can trigger an outbreak in someone already infected with the virus, including:
- Stress
- Allergies
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Colds
- Sunburn or being in strong sunlight
- Dental work or cosmetic surgery
- A woman’s monthly period
- Some foods, including arginine-rich foods such as meat, dairy, whole grains, beans, and wheat
How Are Cold Sores Diagnosed?
Your doctor may be able to diagnose a cold sore by simply looking at the blisters. If they’re uncertain of the cause of the blisters, they may also swab the blister and test the fluid for HSV.
What Are Some Treatments for Cold Sores?
Please note that treatments may vary depending on the condition and individual patient. Always consult with your healthcare provider to see which treatment is recommended.
There is no cure for the herpes simplex virus –– once you have it, you have it for life. The goal of cold sore treatments is to resolve the outbreak.
Cold sore treatment can be a process, and it may take time to completely get rid of the sore. Some treatment options may shorten the overall healing time and make your symptoms less painful.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications
Medicine for cold sore treatment may be purchased without a prescription.
These include ointments or creams that are applied directly to the sore. If they are applied at the first sign of tingling, burning, or itching and before the cold sore appears, you may be able to prevent it from developing further.
Some common over-the-counter treatments for cold sores options include:
- Abreva Cold Sore Treatment Rapid Pain Relief Cream
- Campho-Phenique Cold Sore and Fever Blister Gel for Lips
- Burt’s Bees Clear Cold Sore Patch
- Orajel Cold Sore
Oral Antiviral Medicine
If you choose to go to a medical provider for cold sore treatment, they may prescribe an oral antiviral medication that is applied directly to the cold sores.
Oral antiviral medications include:
- Acyclovir – Brand names Sitavig and Zovirax
- Valacyclovir – Brand name Valtrex
- Famciclovir – Brand name Famvir
Intravenous (IV) Antiviral Medicine
If other cold sore treatments aren’t successful at resolving your problem, your provider may choose to prescribe an antiviral medication that is administered through an IV.
Acyclovir is commonly used with a dose of 2.3 to 4.5 mg of medication per pound of body weight. The medicine is slowly injected into a vein over a period of one hour or longer and may be repeated every eight hours for five to ten days.
When Should I See a Doctor for Cold Sore Treatment?
While cold sores often clear up on their own, you should see your healthcare provider if:
- The cold sores don’t heal within two weeks
- You have a weak immune system
- You are undergoing cancer treatment
- Your symptoms are severe
- The cold sores continue to return
- Your eyes feel gritty or painful
Are There Complications to Cold Sores?
Complications from cold sores are rare, but may include:
- Eye infections – HSV-1 can spread to your eye if you touch a cold sore and touch your eye without washing your hands. If this happens, it may result in HSV keratitis, a potentially serious cornea infection, which in severe cases may lead to blindness.
- Genital sores – HSV-1 may spread to your genitals through oral sex and produce genital or anal warts or ulcers. However, HSV-2, not HSV-1, is the virus that most commonly causes most cases of genital herpes.
In some individuals, cold sores may lead to serious complications. In the case of an outbreak, the following people are advised to seek medical cold sore treatment immediately:
- People with compromised immune systems – For individuals with weakened immune systems, including those who have HIV or are undergoing chemotherapy, HSV can lead to encephalitis or swelling of the brain. These people may also experience more severe outbreaks that take longer to go away.
- Newborns – Babies under 6 months of age may develop complications from cold sores, including a high fever and seizures, due to their underdeveloped immune systems.
- People with eczema – HSV may result in a life-threatening infection called eczema herpeticum in children and adults with eczema. It’s critical to contact your healthcare provider immediately if you suffer from eczema and develop a cold sore.
Goodskin Dermatology Provides High-Quality, Patient-Based Care for Cold Sore Treatment
If you’re seeking cold sore treatment, the professionals at Goodskin Dermatology can help.
We’ve been serving residents of the Greater Portland area for decades, with the mission of helping our patients obtain healthy, vibrant, beautiful skin.
We offer a wide range of dermatology-related services to the Portland Metro Area, with four office locations that make it easy for our clients to receive the care they need.
At Goodskin Dermatology, we understand the effects skin conditions can have on your daily life and well-being. That’s why we work hard to accurately diagnose the issue and create an effective treatment plan that delivers the desired results.
If you’re ready to seek cold sore treatment, contact us today to schedule a consultation.
The content in this blog should not be used in place of direct medical advice/treatment and is solely for informational purposes.