Cold Sores
What Is a Cold Sore?
It’s highly likely that either you have had a cold sore OR someone you know has had one. However, not many people will search for any type of cold sore treatment. Still, that doesn’t make them any less serious, annoying, or potentially problematic.
About 50-80% of adults in the US have experienced at least one cold sore, and there are many cold sore remedies you can use. Before you know how to get rid of a cold sore, let’s explain what these are.
A cold sore is a blister, or a series of blisters, caused by the HSV, or herpes simplex virus. Yes, the same virus that causes genital herpes, though they are two distinctly different types: HSV-1 (cold sores) and HSV-2 (genital herpes).
Causes of a Cold Sore
You can contract a cold sore when you come in contact with someone who carries the virus (had an outbreak). A person with a cold sore on their mouth can easily transfer the virus through kissing for example.
What can trigger a cold sore? In other words, what can trigger an outbreak? Many things can cause a cold sore, including certain foods, stress, a cold, allergies, exposure to prolonged periods of intense sunlight, and more.
How To Prevent It
Knowing how to prevent a cold sore is an effective way to avoid developing one through direct contact. If a person you know has a cold sore visible present, or has any symptoms its best to not kiss them, share their drink or participate in oral sex.
While the virus can be easily spread from person to person, there are things than can trigger an outbreak, which we discuss below.
What Does a Cold Sore Look Like?
A small cluster of tiny blisters. Depending on the location of the cold sore, it could be both painful physically and cause emotional distress, especially if it is prominent, such as outside the mouth or elsewhere on the face
How Long Does a Cold Sore Last?
Typically a cold sore can last anywhere from one to two weeks. It’s possible to shorten this time with targeted treatment so speak to a qualified doctor now.
Stages of a Cold Sore
There are different cold sore stages you may wish to be aware of. First, you will feel tingling or burning or an itching sensation. This is the best chance if you want to know how to get rid of a cold sore fast, so consult a doctor immediately.
About 12 to 24 hours later, you will notice blisters forming. These can be painful and unsightly. This is the driving reason so many people seek the best cold sore medicine.
After that, the blisters will break open and you will notice fluid seep out. This process could last for two to three days, on average. Then a scab forms and may crack or bleed during the healing process.
Do you want to know how to get rid of a cold sore overnight? Speak to a qualified doctor now.
Are Cold Sores Contagious?
Yes, absolutely. That’s why 9 out of 10 people around the world have them. There is no cure for them, but your body may produce antibodies and you may never have another outbreak.
Is a cold sore herpes? Yes, it is the HSV. Though there is no ‘cure,’ knowing how to treat a cold sore is the best option when you have one and to do it properly and safely, speak to a doctor first.
How long is a cold sore contagious? As long as the cold sore exists and until the scab forms. When is a cold sore no longer contagious? When the scab has fully formed.
How long does it take for a cold sore to go away? About 1 to 2 weeks, on average.
Common Signs & Symptoms of Cold Sores
The most common signs and symptoms of cold sores are the tiny blisters that form in clusters. You’ve likely seen these before on friends, family, or coworkers. The fastest way to get rid of a cold sore when the symptoms are present is by speaking to a qualified doctor who may be able to prescribe medication.
Common Signs & Symptoms
The most common signs and symptoms of cold sores are the tiny blisters that form in clusters. You’ve likely seen these before on friends, family, or coworkers. The fastest way to get rid of a cold sore when the symptoms are present is by speaking to a qualified doctor who may be able to prescribe medication.
Canker Sore vs Cold Sore
A cold sore is not the same as a canker sore. A canker sore is a small ulcer, or cluster of ulcers, usually found inside the mouth. It is not clear what causes canker sores, but they can be triggered by food allergies, stress, infections, hormonal changes, vitamin deficiencies in the body, and more.
What Can Trigger a Cold Sore?
A number of things can trigger a cold sore. Though you may already know what cold sores are caused by, as noted already, certain foods, stress, a cold, hormone imbalance, exposure to extreme sunlight, fatigue and more can trigger an outbreak.
How long does the cold sore virus live outside the body? Not long. Maybe a few hours. While there are plenty of myths and misconceptions about, you most likely won’t contract HSV from toilet seats or a towel, but it is possible to some extent.
At-Home Cold Sore Remedies
There are also plenty of cold sore home remedies. If you are dealing with cold sores that are painful, last longer than a week or two, or have other side effects associated with them, then you should consult a doctor immediately.
As for some home remedies, consider the following options.
Lip Balm
A cold sore lip balm may help temper the pain or itching and potentially speed up the healing process, but it doesn’t work for everyone.
Cream
The same holds true for a cold sore cream. You would need to know which one might be most effective for you.
Alcohol
Some people believe putting alcohol on a cold sore can dry it out quicker, but there is limited research that supports this claim. You may also try some otc cold sore medicine (over-the-counter), but don’t be surprised if you have mixed results.
How Craft Medical Can Help Someone with Cold Sores
If you truly want to speed up cold sore healing, Craft Medical can help. We connect you with a qualified, experienced doctor who has helped hundreds of people just like you deal with the pain, embarrassment, and even frustration that cold sores can bring. Consult a doctor today.
