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What
Are Cold Sores?
Q:
What is a cold sore?
A: Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are tiny, clear, fluid-filled
blisters that form around the mouth and are caused by the herpes simplex
virus (HSV1) living inside your nerve tissue. Cold sores usually do not
last longer than two weeks. However, the sores are highly contagious and
tend to recur when the virus is reactivated by a trigger such as stress,
sunlight, fever or illness.
Q:
What is the difference between a cold sore and a cancer sore?
A: Like cold sores, canker sores can be quite painful and often recur.
While cold sores are caused by a virus, the formation of a canker sore
may be triggered by multiple factors such as stress, food allergies or
a weakened immune system. A canker sore forms in the soft tissues of the
mouth and is typically not contagious.
Q:
What happens when you are first exposed to HSV1?
A: Most people get HSV1 infections during infancy or childhood and usually
catch the virus from an infected family member or friend. Only an estimated
10 percent of those infected actually develop the characteristic blisters.
If sores do develop, they can appear anywhere from two to 20 days after
exposure to an infected person. Other persons with a primary infection
may have flu-like symptoms such as a high fever, sore throat, swollen
neck glands and mouth soreness.
Q:
How are cold sores treated?
A: Topical anti-viral medications can reduce the duration and severity
of an outbreak if used early. Over-the-counter creams containing docosanol
can inhibit the herpes virus. Medications with a numbing agent, such as
benzyl alcohol, can help alleviate a cold sore's burning, itching and
pain. Emollients can reduce cracking and soften scabs. Applying aloe vera
balm three times a day to the cold sore also can help fight the infection
and enhance healing. If over-the-counter remedies don't help, ask your
dentist for a prescription. A dentist also can accurately diagnose cold
sores and base treatment on important factors such as your age, overall
health, medical history and tolerance for specific medications.
The Academy of General Dentistry is a non-profit organization
of more than 37,000 general dentists dedicated to staying up-to-date in
the profession through continuing education. A general dentist is the primary
care provider for patients of all ages and is responsible for the diagnosis,
treatment, management and overall coordination of services related to patient's
oral health needs. Learn more about AGD member dentists or find more information
on dental health topics at www.agd.org/consumer. CONTACT:
Susan Urbanczyk, public relations manager, at 312.440.4308 or media@agd.org
or Jennifer Starkey, public relations coordinator, at 312.440.4341 or
media@agd.org.
NOTE:
Information that appears in General Dentistry, the AGD's peer-reviewed
journal, AGD Impact, the AGD's newsmagazine and related press releases
do not necessarily reflect the endorsement of the AGD.
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