Cold sores can be more than annoying. The pain and embarrassment alone will force some to stay indoors and out of public places if possible. You don’t have to suffer like this. Eagle Rock Dental Care can assist you with the cold sore treatment you need.
There are many myths out there about cold sores and the professionals here will explain to you the true facts. Cold sores are the most common symptom of the herpes simplex virus (HSV1). About 80% of adolescents in the United States have HSV1. It is a highly contagious virus. The number of infected individuals grows annually.
Cold sores are also sometimes called “fever blisters”, but among medical professionals they are typically referred to as “oral herpes”. These blisters typically show themselves near the corners of your mouth.
How Do I Know if I Have a Cold Sore?
These blisters have a very set schedule of events during their cycle. Before you see anything, the cold sore will first feel like a small tingle at the site where it will later show. After it grows and blisters, you will also notice it may seep.
When a cold sore is at the point where the blister is seeping, this is its most contagious stage. This is the time where you should be careful not to kiss anyone or touch it. Keeping your hands washed often is always a good preventative measure.
After the blister goes down after a couple days, the area will start to scab over. Dry skin is often an issue during this stage of the process. Keep the area medicated and hydrated with a topical ointment if the dry skin and scabbing is bothersome.
Cold sores can stay visible for up to a couple of weeks. Even though cold sores are so common because they are so contagious, many people can go years without a single flair up. When a cold sore is visible at all, it constitutes as a “flair up”.
Cold Sore Treatment Options
There are many topical ointments you can use for your blister flair ups, but for the most part cold sores will go away on their own eventually. Though they can last a couple of weeks, if you feel that your sore should be gone by now and are concerned, give us a call so we can take a look at it.
You can call us, email us or just come on in! Especially if you are concerned about an open sore that is not healing, get in touch with us soon.
Idaho Falls: (208) 523-5400
Rexburg: (208) 359-2224
Arco: (208) 527-3472
