What Causes Cold Sores and What Treatment is Available for Self Care?

Feb 02, 2023 Cold Sores

 

Keeping on top of your oral health is important. Cold sores are not pleasant and no one likes to hear that they are caused by the herpes virus. Herpes is common and can be found around the world. The herpes simplex virus (HSV) is what causes oral herpes, and can also cause genital herpes. It is HSV type 1 (or HSV-1) which usually causes oral herpes and HSV-2 which is sexually transmitted and causes genital herpes. 

The herpes simplex virus, HSV-1 or the “cold sore virus” is highly infectious and close contact means that it is easily spread. Kissing for example would be a likely cause of passing on the cold sore virus. For some people, oral herpes (the virus) can be present and the person might have no symptoms and not know. For others, it can cause blisters and ulcers which can be painful, depending on the severity of the infection.

 

What Can Trigger Cold Sores?

We know that the HSV-1 virus causes the infection but what can trigger an outbreak of cold sores?
Certain factors can mean the difference between being asymptomatic and having a breakout. These can vary from person to person but include:
 

• Tiredness or fatigue
• Having a compromised or weakened immune system
• Exposure to sunlight
• An injury around where the area the virus is located
• Menstruation

 

Some people might have cold sores once, however, others might have two or three (or more) outbreaks a year. Some might never get cold sores because while they have been exposed to the virus, it hasn’t become active.

A common sign that cold sores are about to start to appear is an itching, burning or tingling feeling around your mouth. After this sores start to appear. These are small, filled with fluid and are most commonly locally around the bottom of your lip, though this can vary.

 

How Can You Prevent Cold Sores?

There are two ways to look at this. Avoiding being in contact with the contagious HSV-1 and how to avoid cold sore triggers.

Preventative measures to avoid cold sores include avoiding close or intimate contact with someone who has a cold sore, for example kissing or oral sex. Not sharing razors, lip care products and anything like cutlery, towels and cups is worth considering. Good hygiene including washing your hands before touching your mouth, face, eyes and genitals can help slow or prevent the spread of the herpes simplex virus.

If you are looking to avoid a breakout of cold sores, there is some evidence that vitamin B can help. Vitamin B promotes good, healthy cell growth and helps to build a strong immune system. Being healthy and well is a good way to avoid or lessen cold sore outbreaks as tiredness and a weak immune system are both triggers.

 

Treating Cold Sores

Usually, cold sores will clear up by themselves without treatments. This can take around seven to days. 

There are antiviral creams and other products that can help and are available without a prescription, such as Zovirax. We offer these at Simply Meds Online and they can be ordered online and sent via post, for your convenience. 

 

Cold Sore Self-Care Treatments

Compeed Cold Sore Patches have been formulated to contain cold sore-fighting hydrocolloid active gel. This targets the cold sore for faster healing and helps to reduce scabbing. You can use Compeed as soon as you feel the tingle that is often the beginning of a cold sore. These patches are discreet and offer a shield that stops the cold sore from spreading and reduces the risk of them getting worse. If you know you are prone to cold sores these are very handy to have close at hand for when you need them.

Zovirax cold sore cream or the generic version, Virasorb Aciclovir cream both contain aciclovir, an active ingredient that gets deep into your skin and fights the HSV-1 virus that we know causes cold sores. These creams help to speed up the healing process and for some lessen the severity of the outbreak, particularly when used from the first tingle. This is when it is most effective.

 

In Conclusion

Thankfully, cold sores are more unpleasant than they are serious or harmful. It’s important, however, to do what you can to avoid spreading the virus and this includes taking extra care not to kiss babies, children or anyone with a weakened immune system if you suspect one is on the way. 

Our self-care, over-the-counter options offer fast and convenient support from the minute you feel that first tell-tale tingle. If you had a cold sore in the past you can usually tell one is coming on. If your cold sore takes longer than the expected 7-10 days to heal or it gets worse, please check with your GP. 

This is a good time to remind ourselves that taking care of our oral health is incredibly important. That includes knowing the signs and symptoms of mouth cancer. You can find out more about this here. Ensure you visit your dentist regularly and see your health provider if you have any concerns about your oral health. 

If you have any questions about cold sore treatments or your oral health our pharmacist would be happy to help.