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What Is a Cold Sore on the Lip?
Cold sores, or fever blisters, are lesions that may develop on the outside of the mouth, including the lip, chin and cheeks 1. Cold sores also occur inside of nostrils and may be painful and unsightly 1. The Type 1 herpes simplex virus causes cold sores 1. The herpes simplex virus is contagious, and some infected individuals may never show symptoms of infection.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Cold Sore Infection
The initial infection is contracted by both direct and indirect contact with the virus. Direct infection may occur through kissing or other direct contact with the blister. Indirect infection may occur through contact with washcloths, towels, razor blades and other items. During the initial infection, the sore usually occurs within 7 to 21 days of contact with the infected item or person. The sore may be red, crusty or fluid-filled. Also, a mild fever may occur during active infection. Subsequent outbreaks tend to be milder than the initial outbreak following infection.
- The initial infection is contracted by both direct and indirect contact with the virus.
- Also, a mild fever may occur during active infection.
Cold Sore Prevention
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Prevent contracting cold sores by avoiding contact with herpes lesions 1. This includes avoiding receiving oral sex from a person with cold blisters. Also avoid sharing items such as towels or razor blades with infected individuals. Infection risk becomes greater when an individual has active blisters. If you share items with an infected person, wash the items well in hot or boiling water. The herpes virus is transmittable even when the infected individual has no active lesions.
- Prevent contracting cold sores by avoiding contact with herpes lesions 1.
- This includes avoiding receiving oral sex from a person with cold blisters.
Cold Sore Treatment
As of 2009, there is no cure for the herpes virus. Treatment may reduce the irritation and discomfort of the symptoms. Avoid spreading cold sores to other areas of the skin by gently washing the blisters with soap and water 1. Topical medications help by numbing the area to reduce the pain of the blister. Antiviral medications work to decrease the amount of outbreaks that occur. Antibiotics prevent cold sores from developing into bacterial infections 1. Untreated cold sores usually resolve within 7 to 14 days 1.
Cold Sore Complications
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Cold sore infections may be life-threatening in people with compromised or suppressed immune systems, such as HIV-positive individuals. Blindness may occur if the herpes virus infects the eyes. According to the National Institute of Health Medical Encyclopedia, as of 2009 herpes eye infections are the leading cause of blindness in the United States.
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References
- Cold Sores
- Herpes Labialis
- Ramchandani M, Kong M, Tronstein E, et al. Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Shedding in Tears and Nasal and Oral Mucosa of Healthy Adults. Sex Transm Dis. 2016;43(12):756-760. doi:10.1097/OLQ.0000000000000522
- Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG). Cold sores: Overview. 2018.
- Montgomery-cranny JA, Wallace A, Rogers HJ, Hughes SC, Hegarty AM, Zaitoun H. Management of recurrent aphthous stomatitis in children. Dent Update. 2015;42(6):564-6, 569-72. doi:10.12968/denu.2015.42.6.564
- Krissel JD, Bhatia A, and Thomas A. Cold sore susceptibility gene-1 genotypes affect the expression of herpes labialis in unrelated human subjects. Hum Genome Var. 2014; 1: 14024. doi:10.1038/hgv.2014.24
- Fatahzadeh M and Schwartz RA. Human herpes simplex virus infections: Epidemiology, pathogenesis, symptomatology, diagnosis, and management. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2007;57(5):737-63. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2007.06.027
- Formica M, Kabbara K, Clark R, Mcalindon T. Can clinical trials requiring frequent participant contact be conducted over the Internet? Results from an online randomized controlled trial evaluating a topical ointment for herpes labialis. J Med Internet Res. 2004;6(1):e6.
- American Academy of Dermatologists. Cold sores: Overview.
- American Academy of Dermatologists. Cold sores: Signs and symptoms.
- American Academy of Dermatologists. Cold sores: Tips for managing.
Writer Bio
Oshetisi Okagbare has Bachelor's of Science in biology with a concenteration on medical epidemiology and biostatistics. Her education and experience in the field assists her in producing clear and concise pieces on health and life science.