Managing Cold Sores

Millions of Americans suffer from cold sores. In fact, around 60% of Americans have had cold sores at one time in their lives and another 25% of those will suffer from continued outbreaks over time. Anyone can become infected with the cold sore virus. Once infected, the virus stays in your system forever.

What Are Cold Sores?

Cold sores (sometimes also known as fever blisters) are a small cluster of blisters that can form on the face. Most commonly on the corners of the lips or around the mouth, but they can also form in the nose or the corners of the eyes. These fluid-filled blisters are unsightly and cause a good amount of pain. Usually they’ll go away within a few days to a week, but in some cases, they main remain for up to 2-3 weeks.

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (known as HSV-1). This is a similar virus to the one that causes chicken pox and shingles. Cold sore blisters will become red, sore, and swollen and will sometimes burst, leaking clear fluid.

Managing Cold Sore Symptoms

Within a few days of appearing, your cold sore will begin to appear on its own without any medical intervention. However, most people find the pain and embarrassment of cold sores to be too long to suffer for even a few days. Luckily, there are prescription treatments that can be used to decrease the duration and the size of the cold sore.

It’s also been found that eating well-balanced meals can keep cold sores at bay, as well as increasing your intake of Lysine. Lysine is an essential amino acid found in turkey, fish, veggies, and legumes.

While there isn’t a cure for HSV-1, there are ways you can manage the symptoms and lessen the frequency of your outbreaks. You’ll begin to notice the early stages of a cold sore coming on, which is important to making sure you don’t spread the virus further.

For more information on your oral health, please contact Auburn Family Dental, located in Wichita, KS!