Got Cold Sores?

Cold Sores are definitely not a fun topic to discuss. Family Dentistry wants to give guidance as to what causes as well as the treatments for the cold sores.   Cold sores are definitely a concern to many people who suffer from them.  Cold sores are lesions that occur on the outside of the lips and exhibits a flare-up with a fever, stress, menstruation, or even sun exposure.  The cold sore is caused by the herpes simplex virus(HSV). The HSV stays dormant in your body and cold sores will appear when the body is fighting an infection or is debilitated in anyway.   Cold sores usually resolve in 7-10 days in healthier individuals.  If you suffer from HIV or AIDS, this will take a longer time to heal.  Topical treatments such as lidocaine or benzyl alcohol may help the person to tolerate the cold sores. Also, discussion with your doctor is recommended for an antiviral medication if suffering occurs frequently from the cold sores.   One may also take acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin to feel some relief, or apply warm or cold compresses to the sore spot.  Remember to not squeeze or puncture the sore spot. Also, do not give children aspirin with a cold sore.  This may cause a rare disease, Reye’s Syndrome.  Canker sores are ulcers that appear on the inside of the mouth and they are not caused by the HSV.  If you or your family member are suffering from cold sores or if you have lesions that need to be evaluated, please contact Drs. Ogle, Schmitz, Hart, and Fickas to assist you in the best treatment plan for a healthy mouth.