Care for Cold Sores

Cold sores, which are also called fever blisters, are a common viral infection. Cold sores are groups of fluid-filled blisters that often erupt around the lips and sometimes under the nose or around the chin. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 and are very contagious and are spread from person to person by close contact, such as kissing.

A cold sore usually passes through several stages:

• Tingling and itching. Many people feel an itching, burning or tingling sensation around their lips for a day or so before a small, hard, painful spot appears and blisters erupt.
• Blisters. Small fluid-filled blisters typically break out along the border where the outside edge of the lips meets the skin of the face. Cold sores can also occur around the nose or on the cheeks.
• Oozing and crusting. The small blisters may merge and then burst, leaving shallow open sores that will ooze fluid and then crust over.

Cold sore blisters usually heal in a week or two by themselves. Over-the-counter topical anesthetics can provide some relief; however, you do not have to suffer through these mouth sores. Drs. Hill and Bowland can zap them for you! Stop in for a quick, in office medical application, or take the treatment home with you!

Drs. Hill and Bowland recommend the Orajel Cold Sore Treatment, and they sell it right in their office. No need for an appointment, just stop by and take your treatment home! You can learn more about Orajel for Cold Sores here.