What is a cold sore:
A cold sore, also known as a fever blister, is a common viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). These tiny, fluid-filled blisters typically appear on or around the lips. Cold sores are not canker sores.

Here are some key points about cold sores:

Symptoms:

• Tingling and itching: Many people feel itching, burning, or tingling around the lips before blisters form.

• Blisters: Small fluid-filled blisters often appear along the lip border or around the nose and cheeks.

• Oozing and crusting: Blisters may merge, burst, and leave shallow open sores that ooze and crust over.

​

Causes:

• HSV-1: Cold sores are primarily caused by HSV-1, which can spread through close contact (e.g., kissing) or sharing items like utensils and towels.

• Spread: The virus can spread by contact even if no visible sores are present.

​

Treatment and Prevention:

• Helocaine® treat the cold sore in as little as 12 hours and eliminate the pain immediately

• Other Name brands: Just treat the cold sore or the pain, but not at the same time, and usually take 2x longer to treat.

• Antiviral drugs: Prescription antiviral medicine only treat the virus and still take 2x longer to treat.

• Self-care: Avoid touching, rubbing, or scratching the sores. Use moisturizing creams to prevent dry lips.

• Preventive measures: Avoid contact with infected individuals and shared items during outbreaks.