What Is the Best Way to Heal a Cold Sore?

Lesions near or on your mouth caused by herpes simplex 1 virus are called cold sores or fever blisters. Cold sores can cause pain or itchiness, but treatments for the condition are available from cold sore treatment in El Dorado Hills, CA.

The CDC states that 48.1 percent of people between 14 and 49 are affected by HSV 1 virus. As people get older, the prevalence of this condition increases, with 27 percent of people between 14 and 19 and 9.7 percent of adults between 45 and 49.

The primary symptoms of an HSV 1 infection are cold sores usually forming on the mouth but can also form on the inside of the nose, chin, or cheeks.

A tingling, itching or burning sensation generally represents the initial symptoms of cold sores that appear within 48 hours and heal in about a couple of weeks. Unfortunately, no cures are available for cold sores and patients affected by this problem can speed healing and distance between outbreaks using various over-the-counter and prescription medicines whenever they are concerned. If medications are used immediately upon noticing the symptoms of cold sores, they are incredibly effective.

What Triggers a Cold Sore?

Cold sores are triggered by some strains of the herpes simplex virus. For example, you might develop mouth herpes from kissing or having oral sex, sharing utensils, razors and towels, which trigger a cold sore.

Cold sores are incredibly contagious if you have oozing blisters because the virus spreads through infected body fluids upon contact. However, you can spread the virus even if you are not affected or have blisters. Many people affected by cold sores never develop the signs and symptoms of the condition.

When you develop an episode of herpes infection, the virus remains dormant in the nerve cells in your skin and might emerge as another cold sore at the same or other parts of the body. The recurrence might be triggered by viral infections, fever, stress, fatigue, exposure to sunlight and wind, immune system changes, and skin injuries.

How do You Get Alleviated of a Cold Sore Inside Your Mouth?

Cold sores in the mouth generally disappear without treatment in two to four weeks. If you seek the best cold sore treatment, the doctor diagnoses your condition merely by looking at it. They might take samples from the blister for testing in a laboratory to confirm the diagnosis.

Doctors may prescribe antiviral medications to speed the healing process from cold sores. The drugs are packaged as pills for oral ingestion. They might also recommend creams applied on the sores many times daily. Pills generally function better than topical creams. Antiviral drugs are also provided as injections if you have a severe condition.

Lifestyle and home remedies also help eliminate cold sores in the mouth. For example, you can use over-the-counter ointments to shorten the healing time of a cold sore by using the remedy soon after the symptoms appear. You can apply the cream to the affected part of your skin as directed on the package. You can also use lip balms and sunblock and get plenty of rest with pain relievers for painful cold sores.

Is There a Preventative for Cold Sores?

The herpes simplex virus 1 is contagious, spreading through direct contact. The virus can spread when sores are present from the initial tingling until after the sore has healed. At other times transmission of the virus happens regardless of whether the sores are visible or not.

If you want to adopt a preventive method to reduce the risk of spreading the virus, you must avoid kissing or getting involved in intimate activities when sores are present. Washing your hands frequently also helps prevent the spread of the virus.

You must avoid sharing items coming into contact with sores in your mouth, like toothbrushes. Preventing contact between a sore and broken skin or mucous membranes inside your nose and mouth also helps. In addition, you can consider using a protective barrier such as a condom or a dental dam during any sexual activity.

Cold sores are the most typical symptom of HSV 1 infections. Some people have recurrent outbreaks of these sores, while others might have the infection without experiencing symptoms. Various treatments help deal with cold sores, and some might find benefits from trying home remedies. However, contacting a doctor is essential if the cold sores are severe or persistent.

El Dorado Hills Town Center Dental provides adequate remedies to manage the condition and speed healing if you are affected by cold sores. Please contact this practice for a cure to recover from cold sores and prevent the spreading of the infection.