Located in Plano and Forney, TexasHeading
What are Cold Sores and What Causes Them?
Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are small, painful blisters that usually appear on the lips, mouth, or around the nose. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) Type 1, which causes orolabial herpes. This is different from HSV Type 2, which is a sexually transmitted infection that leads to genital herpes. Once infected with the virus, it remains in the body and can be reactivated by certain triggers.
What are possible triggers for cold sores?
- Stress
- Illness
- Sun Exposure
- Hormonal Changes
- Injury to the Lips or Mouth (including dental procedures, laser therapy and more)
How are Cold Sores Treated?
Fortunately, mild cold sores with minimal symptoms will resolve on their own and do not require treatment. Moderate to severe eruptions, on the other hand, often require treatment with either topical or systemic antiviral medications. While these medications may help to decrease the duration of the attack if started early enough, they do not eradicate the virus. For patients with frequent outbreaks, suppressive therapy with oral antiviral medications can be considered.
Need More Help?Related Services
Cyst Removal
Acne
Actinic Keratosis
Meet Our Doctors
At Evolve Dermatology, our team of dedicated dermatologists combines expertise with a compassionate approach to provide you with the best possible care for your skin health. Our team is dedicated to staying at the forefront of advancements in dermatology to ensure our patients receive the highest quality of care tailored to their unique needs. Get to know our experienced doctors here.