Having herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) sounds a lot more severe than having cold sores. But, HSV-1, also known as oral herpes or fever blisters, is what causes cold sores. Considering that these small blisters that appear around the mouth are highly contagious, it's not surprising that
50% to 80% of adults have HSV, and about 90% of adults have been exposed to it by the time they are 50 years old.
HSV-2 is a different type of herpes that is also a contagious virus but not as common as HSV-1, and it usually affects the genital area instead of the mouth. While both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can cause sores around the mouth and genitals, HSV-1 is the one predominantly associated with sores around the mouth, and HSV-2 mainly affects the genital area.
However, not all people with HSV-1 experience cold sores. But, for those who do, these small lesions can be painful, unsightly and embarrassing. By understanding the causes, treatments and preventative measures for cold sores, you can better manage and minimize them when they appear.
What is a cold sore?
Cold sores are fluid-filled blisters that usually occur on the outside of the mouth, on and around the lips. Sometimes, they appear inside your mouth, most often on the gums or the roof of the mouth or on your chin or nose. You may experience just one blister, and other times they form in clusters. In addition to blisters, other symptoms of cold sores include:
- Pain
- Redness
- Tingling
- Itching
- Oozing
- Crusting
There are no cures for cold sores. Once you contract HSV, it does not go away. However, there are many ways you can reduce your risk of a breakout – and many ways to treat one.
What causes cold sores?
HPV-1 is transmitted through direct contact with an infected individual, through kissing or some other close skin-to-skin contact, or by sharing items such as utensils, towels or lip balm. In most cases, you can only contract HSV-1 if you're in contact with someone who has visible cold sores or blisters. However, in some instances, HSV-1 can be passed on without an active breakout.
Once contracted, the virus lies dormant in the nerve cells until triggered by various factors, resulting in the outbreak of cold sores. Common triggers include:
- A fever or viral infection
- Stress
- Hormonal changes
- Fatigue
- Wind or sun exposure
- Dry lips
- A cut or injury to the skin
After a breakout, the virus returns to lying dormant. If it's your first bout of cold sores, you may also experience fever, painful gums, sore throat and muscle aches.
How to prevent cold sores
Tips to prevent cold sores cover measures to reduce the risk of initial infection and reduce incidences of outbreaks. Here are some lifestyle tips to help you avoid both.
Don't kiss an infected person
Refrain from kissing or having close contact with someone who has visible sores. Additionally, avoid sharing personal items such as lip balm, utensils, towels and straws with individuals who are experiencing an outbreak.
Boost your immunity
When you are sick or rundown, you are more likely to catch a virus. Furthermore, a fever can trigger a cold sore, which is why they are also called fever blisters. Getting enough rest, eating a healthy diet and
managing stress can bolster your immune system, helping to ward off sickness and fevers.
Use sun protection
Whenever you're outside, apply
lip balm with SPF and wear a hat to protect against sunburn. Try to avoid sun exposure for long periods of time.
Wash your hands
Wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face, especially around the mouth, to prevent the spread of the virus.
Cold sore treatments
Cold sores typically clear up on their own within a couple of weeks. But those can be a long two weeks if you have an embarrassing and painful cold sore. Fortunately, several treatments and lifestyle habits can help manage symptoms and speed up the healing process. These include:
Antiviral medications
Over-the-counter antiviral creams and ointments or prescription antiviral medications can help reduce the severity and duration of an outbreak. These treatments are most effective when used at the first sign of a cold sore.
Pain Relief
To relieve the pain and discomfort while your cold sore fades, OTC pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help. Pain relievers can be used alone or along with other healing treatments.
Rhubarb and sage
Using
rhubarb and sage in a cream is an effective natural solution that may help with recovery and help keep pain at bay. Again, apply the cream early and often.
Lysine
Lysine is natural remedy that may help with cold sores.
† Lysine is available as an oral supplement or cream.
Stress management
If your cold sores are triggered by stress, stress management techniques such as
yoga,
meditation and
deep breathing may help reduce the severity of your blisters. Additionally, they can help prevent outbreaks from recurring.
While cold sores are common and don’t have a cure, follow these tips and you can help minimize outbreaks, shorten them and make them less severe.
†These statements have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
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