Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are small, fluid-filled lesions that typically appear on or around the lips. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), primarily HSV-1. Once infected, the virus remains in the body and can reactivate, leading to recurrent cold sores.
Symptoms of Cold Sores
A cold sore usually progresses through several stages:
- Tingling and Itching: Many individuals experience a tingling, itching, or burning sensation around the lips a day or two before a small, hard, painful spot appears and blisters erupt.
- Blisters: Small fluid-filled blisters typically erupt along the border of the lips.
- Oozing and Crusting: The blisters may merge and then burst, leaving shallow open sores that will ooze fluid and then crust over.
Cold sores are contagious from the moment you first feel tingling or other signs of a cold sore coming on to when the cold sore has completely healed.
Triggers for Recurrence
Certain factors can trigger the reactivation of the HSV, leading to the development of cold sores:
- Illness or Fever: Being unwell can trigger a cold sore.
- Sun Exposure: Exposure to sunlight can trigger a cold sore.
- Menstruation: Being on your period can trigger a cold sore.
Help and Advice from the Pharmacy
While cold sores usually clear up without treatment within 7 to 10 days, several interventions can reduce symptoms and speed up healing:
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Treatments:
- Antiviral Creams: Topical creams containing antiviral agents, such as aciclovir, can help ease symptoms and speed up healing time. These creams are most effective when applied at the first sign of a cold sore.
- Pain-Relief Creams: OTC creams can ease pain and irritation.
- Cold Sore Patches: These patches protect the skin while it heals.
Self-Care Measures
In addition to medications, certain self-care strategies can help manage symptoms and prevent the spread of infection:
- Avoid Triggers: Identify and avoid factors that trigger cold sores, such as sunbeds.
- Sun Protection: Use sunblock lip balm (SPF 15 or above) if you’re outside in the sun.
- Pain Management: Take paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease pain and swelling.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
Preventing Transmission
Cold sores are highly contagious. To prevent spreading the virus:
- Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands with soap and water whenever you touch your cold sore.
- Avoid Kissing: Do not kiss anyone while you have a cold sore.
- Avoid Oral Sex: Do not have oral sex until your cold sore completely heals, as you could give your partner genital herpes.
- Avoid Sharing Items: Do not share items that come into contact with the mouth, such as lip balm, cutlery, or towels, during an outbreak.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While most cold sores resolve without medical intervention, consult a GP if:
- The cold sore has not started to heal within 10 days.
- You’re worried about a cold sore or think it’s something else.
- The cold sore is very large or painful.
- You or your child also have swollen, painful gums and sores in the mouth (gingivostomatitis).
- You have a weakened immune system – for example, because of chemotherapy or diabetes.
In such cases, a GP may prescribe antiviral tablets or refer you to a specialist for further evaluation and treatment.