“Hi I have a cold sore on the corner of my lip how can you get rid of it?”

Answer:

What is a Cold Sore?

Cold sores (also known as fever blisters) are red, fluid-filled blisters that most commonly occur around the mouth. They’re usually caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). HSV is contagious, and the blisters are usually painful. They usually last 10-14 days. The virus is usually caught from kissing, eating from the same plate as someone who has it, or from sharing towels for example. Cold sores usually clear up on their own, but you are encouraged to see your physician if any of the following is true:

• The sores don’t clear up on their own after 1 or 2 weeks.
• The re-appear often.
• You have severe symptoms.
• If your immune system is not at its peak due to a previous illness
• You eyes are aggravated when you have cold sores.

Getting Rid of Cold Sores

Unfortunately there is no “cure” for cold sores.  However, there are several treatments that can be used to decrease or temporarily alleviate the symptoms of herpes.  These treatments include:

• Anti-viral medications such as Acyclovir
• Nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen, to alleviate the pain
• Over the counter topical anesthetic gels can also help to decrease pain and discomfort

We actually have an entire article with detailed information concering cold sores.

Please visit our article at cold sores for more info.

We hope that this was useful to you!

Cold sores (Fever Blisters), better known as herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), are small, irregular shaped, yellow or white ulcerations/sores located in the mouth, lips, or surrounding skin.  The sores typically start off as red, then collapse to form a yellowish ulcer.  These lesions are usually painful.

The first breakout of HSV-1 is more severe than recurrent episodes.  The initial breakout is oftentimes seen in children between 6 months and 5 years and is known as acute herpetic gingivostomatitis.

Recurrent breakouts usually appear on the lip or surrounding skin and are known as herpes labialis.  15-45% of the population has a history of herpes labialis.

What are the symptoms of Cold Sores?

The following symptoms will occur 6-24 hours before a breakout:

• Itching
• Burning
• Tingling
• Pain
• Redness of the skin

Shortly after, multiple small red lesions will appear.  The sores rupture within 2 days, crust over, and generally fully heal in 7-10 days.

If this is an initial breakout, the following symptoms may also occur:

• Sore throat
• Fever
• Muscle pain
• Headache

What causes cold sores?

The sores are caused by a DNA virus known as herpes simplex virus.  Unfortunately the virus remains in the system even when no breakout is present.  Breakouts can also be provoked by the following factors:

• Stress
• Ultraviolet light
• Pregnancy
• Trauma
• Respiratory illnesses
• Allergies
• Other diseases
• Menstruation

Is there treatment for cold sores [herpes labialis]?

Unfortunately there is no known treatment that can completely cure the disease.  However, there are several treatments that can be used to decrease or temporarily alleviate the symptoms of herpes.  These treatments include:

• Anti-viral medications such as Acyclovir
• Nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen, to alleviate the pain
• Over the counter topical anesthetic gels can also help to decrease pain and discomfort