Herpes labialis is characterized by the appearance of tiny, excruciating blisters, also referred to as cold sores, on or near the lips, nostrils, and mouth. T
Typically, children experience the symptoms for the first time.
Cold sores typically disappear on their own after 1 to 2 weeks and might arise alone or in tiny groups. The blister typically develops a scab before it cures. Sometimes the presence of blisters is preceded by tingling, itching, discomfort, or burning.
Causes
Herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores, spreads by saliva or contact with the blister-like lesions. When they first become apparent until they entirely crust over, they are most contagious. While the herpes virus that affects the mouth and lips can also cause genital herpes and vice versa, cold sores and genital herpes are typically brought on by two separate strains of the same virus.
Herpes labialis can infect someone at any time, but for most people, symptoms do not manifest for a long time after the first infection (sometimes years at a time). However, some people may only experience one cold sore episode in their lifetime. Stress, exposure to the sun or cold, and other situations can occasionally make cold sores reactivate.
Treatment
To stop the infection from spreading to other body regions, stop superinfection, and hasten the healing process, the following steps are advised:
- Wash your hands often.
- Wash blisters gently in warm water and light soap.
- Apply a moisturizing ointment to the lips (e.g., Vaseline).
- Additionally, your doctor might recommend a medication to treat the virus. When used as soon as a cold sore appears, this sort of treatment is most successful.
Other therapies, such as painkillers applied topically (Zilactin®) and orally (Tylenol®, for example), reduce symptoms without addressing the cold sore.
Consult Mister pharmacist for more details. He will first recommend over the counter products like Abreva® or sit down with you to review your medical history and prescribe something stronger like Zovirax® and or Valtrex®. Talk to him!
Keep your lips moisturized to stop cold sores from coming back. Find out what causes cold sore episodes (stress, sun, cold, etc.) and try to avoid them. Additionally, it is crucial to apply sunscreen before going outside.
Finally, until the cold sore has completely healed, take the following precautions to prevent spreading the infection to others:
- Do not kiss.
- Do not share towels, lip balm, cups, utensils, or razors.
When should I make an appointment with a doctor?
if 14 days of treatment have passed with no progress.
If the cold sore intensifies or the skin surrounding it turns red (it may be infected).
If you experience sickness after getting a cold sore, have a fever, or have swollen lymph nodes.
Your doctor might be able to provide medication to lessen the frequency of outbreaks if you experience cold sores frequently (six or more per year).
