Cold Sores
What is it?
A cold sore, also known as a fever blister, is a small, painful blister or group of blisters that typically appears on or around the lips. It is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), though HSV-2 (which usually causes genital herpes) can also sometimes be responsible.
Key Facts
- Highly Contagious: Cold sores spread through direct contact, such as kissing or sharing utensils, towels, or lip balm.
- How common is it?: Cold sores are very common, in the USA 80% of people have the virus.
- Triggered by Various Factors: Stress, fatigue, fever, sun exposure, or a weakened immune system can activate the virus.
- Triggered by Lasers: Various energy based services can trigger a cold sore outbreak.
- No Cure: Once infected, the virus remains dormant in the body and can reactivate periodically.
How long does it last? Does it Relapse?
- A cold sore typically lasts between 7 to 10 days, but the duration can vary based on the individual and treatment.
- The sore goes through several stages before healing completely.
- Cold sores can reoccur because the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) stays in your body permanently after the first infection.
- The virus becomes dormant in nerve cells but can reactivate periodically, causing new outbreaks.
Is it curable or treatable?
- Antiviral Medications: Acyclovir, Valacyclovir, or Famciclovir can speed up healing and reduce outbreaks.
- Over-the-Counter Creams: Docosanol (Abreva) may help shorten the duration if applied early.
- Prevention is Key: If you’re prone to cold sores, please let us know before your treatment. We can prescribe antiviral medication to take in advance of energy-based procedures.
- Home Remedies: Ice packs, aloe vera, and avoiding triggers can provide relief.
- Red Light Therapy: Red light therapy reduces swelling, redness, and discomfort by improving blood circulation while also interfering with HSV-1 replication, which may lessen the severity of outbreaks.
Before & After
Our treatments
We combine medical and aesthetic expertise to create personalized skincare solutions using advanced laser and energy-based devices.
FAQ
Q: Are cold sores preventable?
A: Yes! Cold sores are preventable through use of antiviral medications taken early in the course or prior to known triggers (such as energy based services).
Q: Are cold sores the same as herpes?
A: A cold sore is considered a manifestation of the herpes virus, most commonly the HSV-1 strain.
Q: What triggers a cold sore?
A: Common triggers include:
- Hormonal changes (menstruation, pregnancy)
- Stress and fatigue
- Weakened immune system (illness, fever, or infections)
- Sun exposure
- Injury to the lips (cuts, dental work)
Q: Are cold sores an STD?
A: A cold sore, while caused by the herpes simplex virus which can be transmitted sexually, is not typically considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD) because it most commonly spreads through non-sexual contact like kissing, sharing utensils, or close skin-to-skin contact, usually in childhood.
Q: Do cold sores mean you have HPV?
A: No, cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), not the human papillomavirus (HPV).