What Is a Cold Sore and What Triggers It?
January 25, 2022 10:43 am
Cold sores aren’t just embarrassing and painful; they’re also contagious. In fact, these bright red sores found near the mouth spread so easily that at least 50% of all Americans get infected before turning 30.
Though common in the winter, cold sores aren’t caused by cold weather. They’re the result of the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which normally causes sores on or around the lips and sometimes inside the mouth. If you’re lucky, your infection won’t cause symptoms.
How Long Does a Cold Sore Last?
Annoying as they are, cold sores typically resolve on their own within a few weeks. Unfortunately, however, HSV stays with you for life. While it remains dormant in your body most of the time, it can flare up and allow the painful sores to develop again.
While there’s no cure, treatments for HSV may reduce symptoms and shorten the duration of the sores. Common treatments include over-the-counter or prescription medications recommended by a healthcare provider. You may find relief by applying an ice pack or rubbing aloe vera on the sore.
If you get cold sores frequently, you may begin to notice a tingling sensation before they form. Use medication as soon as you feel that sensation to keep the sore from forming.
Your Lips, Cold Sore-Free
Once you know what a cold sore is, you’ve got to take action to avoid them. Don’t kiss or drink after someone with a visible sore. And if you’ve had HSV before, minimize your risk of sores in the future. To do that, you need to know what triggers your virus to become active.
There are many reasons your dormant virus comes back. Some of the most common triggers include:
- Cold, flu or fever
- Exposure to bright sunlight
- Menstruation or other events that cause hormonal changes
- Specific foods
- Stress or fatigue
Once you know your triggers, take steps to avoid the ones you can whenever possible. You can also work with your primary care provider to protect yourself from this painful problem.
What is a cold sore’s worst enemy? You and your primary care provider. Schedule an appointment with yours at Magnolia Regional Health Center today.
Tags: cold sore, herpes simplex virus, mouth pain
This post was written by Magnolia Regional Health Center
