Introduction:
Cold sores are painful, red, fluid-filled blisters on the lips, under the nose, around the chin, and mouth. Cold sores are also known as oral herpes, fever blisters, and herpes labialis. Cold sores are caused by a contagious virus called Herpes simplex virus (HSV). The initial lesion causes painful lesions in the mouth on the tongue, cheeks, and gums. Cold sores are clumped together in patches, and after the blisters break, a scab forms for several days. There are two types of herpes simplex virus. Type 1 HSV causes oral herpes, and type 2 HSV causes genital herpes. Type 1 HSV infects more than half of the United States population than HSV 2. More than half of the United States population, especially adults, has been infected with the virus, which causes cold sores. Most people with the virus never actually develop symptoms. The virus is transmitted through close contact, kissing, and sharing utensils, towels, and lip balm. With treatment, cold sores can clear up within a few days in people with a healthy immune system. Some factors like stress, eczema, weakened immune system, hot sun, cold, and wind can increase the risk of cold sores.
What Are the Causes of Cold Sores?
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Type 1 Herpes Simplex Virus causes cold sores, sometimes called oral herpes. The infection is transmitted through infected body fluids. The virus is transmitted through close contact or saliva, such as kissing, sharing brushes, straws, towels, lip balm, cosmetics, and utensils.
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The virus may remain inactive for several days, and the patient remains asymptomatic. Once the patient gets cured, the virus may become reactive again to form cold sores and spread the infection. The virus can spread even if the cold sores are not visible.
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Stress, severe burns, chemotherapy, pregnancy, weakened immune system, Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), flu cold, and damaged and dry lips may trigger cold sores.
What Are the Symptoms of Cold Sores?
Some people with cold sores may show no symptoms, and some may experience symptoms. The symptoms include pain, burning sensation, tingling sensation, itching, blister formation, yellow discharge from the blisters, and oozing and crusting around the lips. Other symptoms include headache, fever, swollen lymph nodes, dehydration, and difficulty swallowing.
How Can Cold Sores Be Diagnosed?
The doctor can diagnose the infection by looking at the symptoms. The physician can prescribe a blood test or take a swab from the infected area to diagnose the herpes simplex virus infection.
How Can Cold Sores Be Treated?
Treatment of cold sores depends upon the cause and severity of the infection. Some treatments can relieve pain and discomfort but do not remove the virus from the body. Treatment includes antiviral creams, oral antiviral medications, and home remedies that help to treat cold sores faster and eliminate the virus from the body.
1. Over-The-Counter Medications - Various over-the-counter medications help in relieving pain and discomfort. The medications are available in the form of ointments, creams, gels, and patches, can heal cold sores in about one day, and sometimes can prevent blisters and scabs from forming. The topical antiviral creams are Acyclovir, Pencicyclovir, Docosanol, Soothelip, and Zovirax. The ointment will need to apply four to five times a day for four to five days. The topical creams contain local anesthetic agents that help numb pain and relieve cold sores. The creams contain agents like Lidocaine, Benzocaine, and Tetracaine.
2. Oral Antiviral Medications - Various antiviral drugs can help to heal cold sores faster. The antiviral drugs include Acyclovir, Famciclovir, Penciclovir, and Valacyclovir. Acyclovir is available in both oral and topical forms. Famciclovir is available as an oral medication, Penciclovir as a cream, and Valacyclovir as a tablet. These medications can shorten the pain duration by less than 24 hours.
3. Intravenous Antiviral Medications - The doctor may prescribe intravenous antiviral medications if the other medications are not working.
4. Home Remedies - Several home remedies can treat cold sores faster. Home remedies include,
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Sunburn may trigger cold sores. Using sunscreen when a person goes out in the sun may prevent infection.
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Aloe vera gel used for sunburn may help the cold sore to heal.
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Lysine is available as a cream or capsule to treat cold sores.
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Lemon balm helps in getting rid of cold sores.
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Tea tree oil helps in treating cold sores faster.
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Propolis is a resin-like material from bees used as an ointment to treat cold sores.
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Kanuka honey is obtained from bees in New Zealand and is used as a topical medication to treat cold sores.
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Vitamin C and vitamin E can help to heal cold sores. Vitamin C can inactivate the HSV.
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Stress reduction may help to decrease cold sores.
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Apple cider vinegar treats cold sores because it can fight against bacteria and viruses. Apple cider vinegar is applied directly on a cold sore once or twice a day but should be diluted before use.
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Essential oils contain plant compounds that have inhibitory effects against HSV. The essential oils prevent viral replication and help heal cold sores. Various essential oils include peppermint oil, clove essential oil, rosemary essential oil, sandalwood oil, cinnamon oil, ginger essential oil, and basil essential oil.
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Apply a cold compress to reduce the pain and inflammation of cold sores.
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Use lip balm or moisturizer to keep the lip and mouth area hydrated.
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Apply soaked tea bags to treat cold sores.
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Do not touch the cold sores because cold sores are contagious. If a person scratches or peels off the skin at the sore, it will spread the virus to other body parts.
How Can Cold Sores Be Prevented?
People can adopt preventive measures to control the spread of HSV infection. The preventive measures include.
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Do not touch an open sore.
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Do not pop or squeeze the fluid from the sore.
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Do not aggressively wash the sore because excessive scrubbing can irritate and spread the infection.
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Avoid sharing personal items like brushes, towels, utensils, and lip balms.
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Avoid close contact with someone with cold sores, such as kissing and oral sex.
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Avoid acidic food like citrus fruits and tomatoes because it may cause a burning sensation when it comes in contact with cold sores.
Conclusion:
Cold sore is a herpes simplex virus infection. Cold sores are more common in adults. Cold sores can heal easily in some people with weakened immune systems, babies and people with eczema can cause life-threatening complications. The healthcare team, including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, can educate people about viral infections and prevention. The healthcare team can work together to achieve better outcomes.
