Dealing With Cold Sores

How do we get cold sores?

Cold sores are are caused by the Herpes simplex virus (HSV). The virus is highly contagious, so it spreads easily. It is spread by mouth to mouth contact with someone carrying HSV. It can also be spread by sharing the same eating utensils, such as straws or forks, or by sharing the same food.

The virus is not curable, so once you have it, it stays in your body for life. HSV lives in the nerves, and can be reawakened by various causes. Some people who get cold sores after infection will develop antibodies. This will prevent cold sore formation in the future. Some people though, will get cold sores throughout their entire life. 

An ounce of prevention…

The best way to deal with just about any ailment is to not get it in the first place. So let’s take a look at what transmits the virus and what can cause it to wake up after infection.

Avoid getting HSV

Obviously this is the ideal solution. 

• Try to find out if sexual partners have any Herpes simplex viruses. Herpes is also a sexually transmitted disease that can cause painful sores on the genitals. HSV1 can transmit sores to the mouth and vice versa.
• Try not to share food and drink with strangers.

In the case you do get exposed to the virus, there are still precautions you can take. Herpes simplex 1 is an incredibly common infection. Nearly half of adults in the US have it. If you have already had a cold sore, or been exposed, various things can wake the virus up. Triggers include:

• Stress.
• Injury to the area where cold sores occur.
• Other illness/infection.
• Intense sun exposure.
• Some food, usually acidic food. Chili peppers, tomatoes, and citrus can spark an outbreak.
• Hormonal changes, including those during menstruation.
• Cosmetic and/or laser surgery.
• Dental surgery.

Avoiding the listed situations can help prevent future cold sores.

Dealing with existing cold sores

• Fight pain from cold sores with ibuprofen or acetaminophen containing medicines. Tylenol or Aspirin are great solutions. For burning or itching you can apply ice to the sore, or suck on an ice cube. Non prescription topical ointments will also help reduce pain. Look for topical creams containing benzocaine, lidocaine, benzyl alcohol, and/or dibucaine.
• Avoid the same acidic foods that can trigger a cold sore outbreak. Spicy foods, citrus, and excessively salty foods worsen the pain. They can also make the cold sores last longer, or worsen an existing outbreak.
• Decrease the time the cold sores with anti-cold sore topical medicine. You will want antiviral creams.  Gels/ointments containing dicosanol or benzyl alcohol.
• To lessen skin irritation around the cold sore you can place a cool wet towel on the sore for 5-10 minutes. Do this several times a day. For example, it’s a good idea to do when you wake up in the morning, and before bed.
• Apply petroleum jelly, like Vaseline, to the dry and cracked skin around the cold sore. When you notice skin around your  mouth cracking and drying, it’s a good idea to apply the jelly even if you don’t have a cold sore. This can help prevent upcoming outbreaks.
• See a dermatologist or oral hygienist when:
  • Cold sores remain longer than 15 days.
  • Cold sores are extremely painful.
  • Cold sore outbreaks occur several times a year with regularity.
  • You experience cold sores around the eyes.
  • You are experiencing immune system suppression. This can happen thanks to a disease or infection, medication, or a combination of the two.

Cold sores keeping you down?

If you are worried that a cold sore is something more serious, or just want some help with the embarrassment, we got you covered. Josey Lane Dentistry, in Carrollton Texas, is your one stop shop for preventative and restorative dentistry. Not only can we help you avoid HSV and potential sore outbreaks, but we can treat any existing issues you may have. You don’t have to live with the pain, inconvenience, and embarrassment of cold sores, contact us today.