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cold sores

What are cold sores

Cold sores also called fever blisters, are caused by a contagious virus called herpes simplex virus (HSV). Cold sores are tiny, fluid-filled blisters on and around your lips. These blisters are often grouped together in patches. After the blisters break, a crust forms over the resulting sore. Cold sores usually heal in two to four weeks without leaving a scar. There are two types of herpes simplex virus. Type 1 herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) usually causes oral herpes, or cold sores. Type 1 herpes virus infects more than half of the U.S. population by the time they reach their 20s. Type 2 herpes simplex virus (HSV-2) usually affects the genital area.

Herpes simplex is caused by one of two types of herpes simplex virus (HSV), members of the Herpesvirales family of double-stranded DNA viruses.

  • Type 1 herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) is mainly associated with oral and facial infections. Type 1 herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) usually causes oral herpes, fever blisters or cold sores. Type 1 herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) infects more than half of the U.S. population by the time they reach their 20s. HSV-1 is mainly transmitted via contact with the virus in sores, saliva or surfaces in or around the mouth. People may be exposed to HSV-1 as children due to close skin-to-skin contact with someone infected. Less commonly, HSV-1 can be transmitted to the genital area through oral-genital contact to cause genital herpes. Type 1 herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) can be transmitted from oral or skin surfaces that appear normal; however, the greatest risk of transmission is when there are active sores. People who already have HSV-1 are not at risk of reinfection, but they are still at risk of acquiring HSV-2.
  • Type 2 herpes simplex virus (HSV-2) is mainly associated with genital and rectal infections (anogenital herpes). Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) usually causes sores on the genitals or sexual organs (genital herpes). Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). HSV-2 is mainly transmitted during sex through contact with genital or anal surfaces, skin, sores or fluids of someone infected with the virus. HSV-2 can be transmitted even if the skin looks normal and is often transmitted in the absence of symptoms.
  • However, either HSV-1 or HSV-2 can affect almost any area of skin or mucous membrane. Once you’re infected, you have the virus for the rest of your life.
  • Recurrent outbreaks of genital herpes caused by HSV-1 are often less frequent than outbreaks caused by HSV-2.
  • In rare circumstances, herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2) can be transmitted from mother to child during delivery, causing neonatal herpes.

After the primary episode of infection, herpes simplex virus (HSV) resides in a latent state in spinal dorsal root nerves that supply sensation to the skin. During a recurrence, the virus follows the nerves onto the skin or mucous membranes, where it multiplies, causing the clinical lesion. After each attack and lifelong, it enters the resting state.

During an attack, the herpes simplex virus (HSV) can be inoculated into new sites of skin, which can then develop blisters as well as the original site of infection.

Some people have no symptoms from the infection. But others develop painful and unsightly cold sores. Cold sores usually occur outside the mouth, on or around the lips. When they are inside the mouth, they are usually on the gums or the roof of the mouth. They are not the same as canker sores, which are not contagious.

There is no cure for cold sores. They normally go away on their own in a few weeks. Antiviral medicines can help them heal faster. They can also help to prevent cold sores in people who often get them. Other medicines can help with the pain and discomfort of the sores. These include ointments that numb the blisters, soften the crusts of the sores, or dry them out. Protecting your lips from the sun with sunblock lip balm can also help.

When to see a doctor

Cold sores generally clear up without treatment. See your doctor if you have more severe symptoms or a weakened immune system (e.g., you have HIV, on immune suppressant medications or you are having cancer treatment):

  • You have a weakened immune system
  • The cold sores don’t heal within two weeks
  • Symptoms are severe
  • You have frequent recurrences of cold sores
  • You experience irritation in your eyes

It’s also a good idea to see your doctor if:

  • there are signs the cold sore is infected, such as redness around the sore, pus and a fever
  • you aren’t sure you have a cold sore
  • the cold sore isn’t healing, it’s spreading or you have more than one cold sore
  • your cold sore has spread to near your eyes
  • you get cold sores often

Antibiotics may be needed if the cold sore gets infected.

Figure 1. Herpes simplex virus (HSV)

Herpes simplex virus

Footnote: This negatively stained transmission electron microscopic image revealed the presence of numerous herpes simplex virions. At the core of its icosahedral proteinaceous capsid, the HSV contains a double-stranded DNA linear genome.

[Source 1 ]

Figure 2. Primary oral herpes (primary herpetic gingivostomatitis) caused by herpes simplex virus type 1

Primary oral herpes

Footnote: (A) a four-year-old girl with lower lip ulcers and crusting on the upper lip, and (B) a two-year-old girl with ulcers on the lower lip and tongue. Both patients show visible gingivitis with reddened, inflamed, and swollen gums.

[Source 2 ]

Figure 3. Cold sores

cold sores

Figure 4. Recurrent herpes simplex virus

recurrent herpes simplex virus

Footnote: Young girl with recurrent herpes simplex virus type 1 showing vesicles on a red base at the vermilion border.

[Source 2 ]

Figure 5. Recurrent oral herpes

recurrent oral herpes

Footnote: (A) Ulcers that form after the vesicles break, as shown in an adult women with herpes labialis. (B) Recurrent herpes simplex virus type 1 in the crusting stage seen at the vermilion border.

[Source 2 ]

Figure 6. Oral herpes tongue in a patient with weak immune system causing a severe and large ulcer on tongue

oral herpes tongue

Figure 7. Facial herpes

facial herpes

Does a having cold sore mean I have a sexually transmitted infection?

Having a cold sore does not mean that you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Most cold sores are caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Genital herpes (a type of STD) is typically caused by HSV-2. However, it is possible to transmit HSV-1 from a cold sore to the genital area during oral sex. In short, it is possible to get genital herpes from a cold sore from oral sex.

Are cold sores herpes?

Yes. Cold sores are caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of herpes simplex virus. Type 1 herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) usually causes oral herpes, or cold sores. Type 1 herpes virus infects more than half of the U.S. population by the time they reach their 20s. Type 2 herpes simplex virus (HSV-2) usually affects the genital area.

How do you get cold sores?

Primary attacks of type 1 herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) infections occur mainly in infants and young children. In crowded, underdeveloped areas of the world, nearly all children have been infected by the age of 5. In less crowded places, the incidence is lower; for example, less than half of university entrants in Britain have been infected. Type 2 herpes simplex virus (HSV-2) infections occur mainly after puberty and are often transmitted sexually.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is transmitted by direct or indirect contact with someone with active herpes simplex, which is infectious for 7–12 days. Asymptomatic shedding of the virus in saliva or genital secretions can also lead to transmission of herpes simplex virus (HSV), but this is infrequent, as the amount shed from inactive lesions is 100 to 1000 times less than when it is active. The incubation period is 2–12 days.

Minor injury helps inoculate herpes simplex virus (HSV) into the skin. For example:

  • A thumb sucker may transmit the virus from their mouth to their thumb.
  • A health-care worker may develop herpetic whitlow (paronychia)
  • A rugby player may get a cluster of blisters on one cheek (‘scrumpox’).

Are cold sores contagious?

Yes. Cold sores are contagious even if you don’t see the sores. Cold sores are spread from person to person by close contact, such as kissing. Cold sores are caused by a herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) closely related to the one that causes genital herpes (HSV-2). Both of these viruses can affect your mouth or genitals and can be spread by oral sex.

Can you get genital herpes from a cold sore?

Yes — it is possible to get genital herpes from oral sex.

Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of herpes viruses — HSV-1 and HSV-2. Genital herpes is usually caused by HSV-2; oral herpes (cold sores) is usually caused by HSV-1.

However, genital herpes can also be caused by HSV-1. Someone with HSV-1 can transmit the virus through oral contact with another person’s genitals, anus, or mouth, even if they don’t have sores that are visible at the time.

Other than abstinence (not having sex) the best way to help prevent herpes is to use a condom during any type of sex (oral, vaginal, or anal). Girls should have their partners use a dental dam every time they receive oral sex to help protect against genital herpes. And if either partner has a sore, it’s best to not have sex until the sore has cleared up.

How long do cold sores last?

Cold sores usually heal in two to four weeks without leaving a scar.

There’s no cure for herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection, and the blisters may return. Antiviral medications can help cold sores heal more quickly and may reduce how often they return.

Is it safe for a mother to breastfeed if she has active herpetic lesions?

Maybe. Women with herpetic lesions may transmit HSV to their infants by direct or indirect contact with the lesions. Breastfeeding is acceptable if no lesions are present on the breasts and if active lesions elsewhere on the mother are carefully and fully covered. In cases where a mother has herpetic lesions on her breast, the mother should temporarily refrain from breastfeeding her infant from the affected breast or feeding her infant expressed breast milk from the affected breast. She should discard expressed breast milk from the affected side until the lesions have healed. A mother may breastfeed her infant or express milk from the unaffected breast but should ensure that the lesions on the affected breast are completely covered to avoid transmission. Mothers should also follow appropriate hand hygiene practices to avoid transmission of herpes to her infant.

Some mothers may need additional support to maintain their milk production and/or supplement with their expressed human milk (previously expressed milk or expressed milk from the unaffected breast) or formula while herpetic lesions on the breast are healing. Mothers should talk with their physicians to determine if their lesions have healed and they can resume breastfeeding or expressing milk from the affected breast.

What causes cold sores?

Oral herpes are caused by certain strains of the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Type 1 herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) usually causes cold sores. Type 2 herpes simplex virus (HSV-2) is usually responsible for genital herpes. However, either type can cause sores in the facial area or on the genitals. Most people who are infected with the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores never develop signs and symptoms.

HSV-1 is typically spread through direct contact with contaminated saliva or other infected bodily secretions, as opposed to HSV-2, which is spread primarily by sexual contact.

Oral herpes are most contagious when oozing blisters are present. But you can transmit the virus to others even if you don’t have blisters. Shared eating utensils, razors and towels, as well as kissing, may spread HSV-1. Oral sex can spread HSV-1 to the genitals and HSV-2 to the lips.

Primary infection appears two to 20 days after contact with an infected person. Transmission involves mucous membranes and open or abraded skin. During one study of herpes labialis, the median duration of HSV-1 shedding was 60 hours when measured by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and 48 hours when measured by culture 3. Peak viral DNA load occurred at 48 hours, with no virus detected beyond 96 hours of onset of symptoms 3. Recurrent infections may be precipitated by various stimuli, such as stress, fever, sun exposure, extremes in temperature, ultraviolet radiation, immunosuppression, or trauma. The virus remains dormant for a variable amount of time.

Once you’ve had an episode of herpes infection, the virus lies dormant in nerve cells in your skin and may emerge as another cold sore at the same place as before. Recurrence may be triggered by:

  • Viral infection or fever
  • Hormonal changes, such as those related to menstruation or pregnancy.
  • Stress
  • Trauma, such as that caused by dental work or cuts from shaving.
  • Fatigue
  • Surgery.
  • Exposure to sunlight and wind
  • Changes in your immune system

Oral HSV-1 usually recurs one to six times per year 4. The duration of symptoms is shorter and the symptoms are less severe during a recurrence.

The likelihood of reactivation of HSV infection differs between HSV-1 and HSV-2, and between the sacral and trigeminal anatomic sites. In one study, the mean monthly frequencies of recurrence were 0.33 genital HSV-2 infections, 0.12 orolabial HSV-1 infections, 0.020 genital HSV-1 infections, and 0.001 oral HSV-2 infections 5. This shows that recurrences are more likely when HSV-1 is oral and HSV-2 is genital.

Risk factors for getting cold sores

About 90 percent of adults worldwide — even those who’ve never had symptoms of an infection — test positive for evidence of the herpes simplex virus (HSV) that causes cold sores.

People who have weakened immune systems are at higher risk of complications from the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Medical conditions and treatments that increase your risk of complications include:

  • HIV/AIDS
  • Severe burns
  • Eczema
  • Cancer chemotherapy
  • Anti-rejection drugs for organ transplants

How to prevent cold sores

Oral herpes cannot always be avoided, but you may be able to help prevent them by treating them at the very first sign of a cold sore (usually the tingling stage). You also can try to avoid known cold sore triggers (some of these are unavoidable).

  • Sunlight
  • Stress
  • Hormones
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • A weak immune system or changes in your immune system

Wearing sunscreen and proactively managing stress may help. Ways to reduce stress include exercising, meditating, and doing things you enjoy each day. You should also try to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night.

Because the herpes simplex virus (HSV) is very contagious, it is important to take the following steps to prevent spread (transmission) of the virus during the prodromal phase (burning, tingling, or itching) and active phase (presence of blisters or sores) of HSV infections:

  • Avoid sharing cups and eating utensils.
  • Avoid kissing and performing oral sex.
  • Avoid sharing lip balm and lipstick.
  • Avoid sharing razors, towels, and other personal care items.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water if you touch an active lesion.

Unfortunately, the virus can still be transmitted even when someone does not have active lesions.

Cold sores symptoms

Oral herpes signs and symptoms vary, depending on whether this is your first outbreak (primary infection) or a recurrence. Primary infection is defined as first outbreak of oral herpes in patients with no existing antibodies to HSV-1 or HSV-2. The most common location for primary oral herpes infection is inside the mouth. In primary HSV, there are painful sores anywhere inside your mouth (herpetic gingivostomatitis) . The lymph nodes in your neck may or may not be swollen. In severe cases of HSV infection, oral herpes may involve the entire lining of your mouth and both lips. These severe infections may be accompanied by fever, sore throat, foul breath, and difficulty eating.

The mouth lesions (herpetic gingivostomatitis) consist of painful vesicles on a red, swollen base that occur on the lips, gingiva, oral palate, or tongue. The lesions ulcerate (Figure 2) and the pain can be severe. Refusal to eat or drink may be a clue to the presence of oral HSV. The lesions usually heal within 10 to 14 days 4.

During first-time oral herpes infection (primary infection), some people experience:

  • Fever
  • Painful eroded gums
  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches
  • Swollen lymph nodes

Children under 5 years old may have oral herpes inside their mouths and the lesions are commonly mistaken for canker sores. Canker sores involve only the mucous membrane and aren’t caused by the herpes simplex virus.

In recurrent herpes labialis, symptoms of tingling, pain, pins and needles sensation (paresthesias), itching, and burning of the area precede the lesions in 60 percent of persons 4. This may happen 24 to 48 hours before the cold sore actually appears. The lesions then appear as clusters of tiny blisters on the lip or vermilion border (Figures 3 and 4). The tiny blisters may have an erythematous base. The tiny blisters subsequently break open and form a crust (Figure 5). Healing begins within three to four days, and reepithelization may take seven to eight days 4. A typical oral herpes outbreak can last several days, and the blisters can take two to four weeks to heal completely without treatment. However, many people who are exposed to HSV-1 demonstrate asymptomatic seroconversion.

For recurrent oral herpes, locations include the:

  • Lips.
  • Nose.
  • Chin.
  • Cheeks.

Recurrences typically appear at the same spot each time and tend to be less severe than the first outbreak. There may also be sores inside your mouth, especially if your immune system has been affected, such as by cancer or HIV, or if you have undergone organ transplantation (Figure 6).

Additionally, some people never develop the symptoms of a primary HSV infection and may mistake a recurrent infection for a primary infection. A recurrent infection typically lasts 7-10 days. As it fades, it may leave a pink, purplish, or brownish color in lighter skin colors. In darker skin colors, HSV may fade to leave a darker brown color. People who are prone to recurrent outbreaks tend to get them 3-4 times per year.

Recurrent oral herpes usually passes through several stages:

  1. Tingling and itching. Many people feel an itching, burning or tingling sensation around their lips for a day or so before a small, hard, painful spot appears and blisters erupt.
  2. Blisters. Small fluid-filled blisters typically break out along the border where the outside edge of the lips meets the skin of the face. Cold sores can also occur around the nose or on the cheeks.
  3. Oozing and crusting. The small blisters may merge and then burst, leaving shallow open sores that will ooze fluid and then crust over.

Symptoms of recurrent oral herpes are typically milder than those of primary infection, with a 24-hour prodrome of tingling, burning, and itch 6. Recurrent orolabial HSV-1 infections classically affect the vermillion border of the lip (as opposed to the mouth and lips as seen in primary infection) 7.

Primary herpes simplex

Primary infection with herpes simplex virus (HSV) can be mild or subclinical, but symptomatic infection tends to be more severe than recurrences. Type 2 herpes simplex virus (HSV-2) is more often symptomatic than type 1 herpes simplex virus (HSV-1).

Primary type 1 herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) most often presents as gingivostomatitis (inflammation of the gums and lips caused by the herpes virus), in children between 1 and 5 years of age. Symptoms include fever, which may be high, restlessness and excessive dribbling. Drinking and eating are painful, and the breath is foul. The gums are swollen and red and bleed easily. Whitish vesicles evolve to yellowish ulcers on the tongue, throat, palate and inside the cheeks. Local lymph glands are enlarged and tender.

The fever subsides after 3–5 days and recovery is usually complete within 2 weeks.

Primary type 2 herpes simplex virus (HSV-2) usually presents as genital herpes after the onset of sexual activity. Painful vesicles, ulcers, redness and swelling last for 2 to 3 weeks, if untreated, and are often accompanied by fever and tender inguinal lymphadenopathy.

In males, herpes most often affects the glans, foreskin and shaft of the penis. Anal herpes is more common in males who have sex with men than with heterosexual partners.

In females, herpes most often arises on the vulva and in the vagina. It is often painful or difficult to pass urine. Infection of the cervix may progress to severe ulceration.

Recurrent herpes simplex

After the initial infection, whether symptomatic or not, there may be no further clinical manifestations throughout life. Where viral immunity is insufficient, recurrent infections are common, particularly with type 2 herpes simplex virus (HSV-2) genital herpes.

Recurrences can be triggered by:

  • Minor trauma, surgery or procedures to the affected area
  • Upper respiratory tract infections
  • Sun exposure
  • Hormonal factors (in women, flares are not uncommon prior to menstruation)
  • Emotional stress

In many cases, no reason for the eruption is evident.

The vesicles tend to be smaller and more closely grouped in recurrent herpes, compared to primary herpes. They usually return to roughly the same site as the primary infection.

  • Recurrent type 1 herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) can occur on any site, most frequently the face, particularly the lips (herpes simplex labialis).
  • Recurrent type 2 herpes simplex virus (HSV-2) may also occur on any site, but most often affects the genitals or buttocks.

Itching or burning is followed an hour or two later by an irregular cluster of small, closely grouped, often umbilicated vesicles on a red base. They normally heal in 7–10 days without scarring. The affected person may feel well or suffer from fever, pain and have enlarged local lymph nodes.

Herpetic vesicles are sometimes arranged in a line rather like shingles and are said to have a zosteriform distribution, particularly when affecting the lower chest or lumbar region.

White patches or scars may occur at the site of recurrent herpes simplex virus (HSV) attacks and are more evident in those with the skin of color.

Cold sores complications

In immunocompromised people, including those with advanced HIV infection, herpes can have more severe symptoms and more frequent recurrences. Rare complications of HSV-2 include meningoencephalitis (brain infection) and disseminated infection. Rarely, HSV-1 infection can lead to more severe complications such as encephalitis (brain infection) or keratitis (eye infection). In some people, herpes simplex virus (HSV) that causes cold sores can cause problems in other areas of the body, including:

Eye infection

Herpes simplex may cause swollen eyelids and conjunctivitis with opacity and superficial ulceration of the cornea (dendritic ulcer, best seen after fluorescein staining of the cornea). HSV infection of the eye also known as herpetic keratitis is a common cause of blindness in the United States 8, 9, 10, 11. Common symptoms are eye pain, light sensitivity, and discharge with gritty sensation in the eye. Fluorescein stain with a ultraviolet light may show a classic dendritic ulcer on the cornea (Figure 8). Without prompt treatment, scarring of the cornea may occur (Figure 9).

Figure 8. HSV infection of the eye

Herpetic keratitis

Footnote: Slit-lamp view of a dendritic ulcer with fluorescein uptake from herpetic keratitis.

[Source 12 ]

Figure 9. Herpetic keratitis with corneal scarring

Herpetic keratitis with corneal scarring

Footnote: Herpetic keratitis with corneal scarring in a 56-year-old woman

[Source 2 ]

Throat infection

Throat infections may be very painful and interfere with swallowing.

Eczema herpeticum

In patients with a history of atopic dermatitis, Darier disease, Hailey-Hailey disease, mycosis fungoides, and all types of ichthyosis, herpes simplex virus (HSV) may result in severe and widespread infection, known as eczema herpeticum. The skin disease can be active or historical. Numerous blisters erupt on the face or elsewhere, associated with swollen lymph glands and fever. The increased risk is also associated with mutations in the filaggrin gene, which is seen in atopic dermatitis and ichthyosis vulgaris. Pharmaceutical risk factors for eczema herpeticum include the use of topical calcineurin inhibitors such as pimecrolimus and tacrolimus.

Erythema multiforme

A single episode or recurrent erythema multiforme is an uncommon reaction to herpes simplex. The rash of erythema multiforme appears as symmetrical plaques on hands, forearms, feet and lower legs. It is characterized by target lesions, which sometimes have central blisters. Mucosal lesions may be observed.

Nervous system involvement

Cranial or facial nerves may be infected by herpes simplex virus (HSV), producing temporary paralysis of the affected muscles. Rarely, neuralgic pain may precede each recurrence of herpes by 1 or 2 days (Maurice syndrome). Meningitis is rare. A major risk factor for herpes encephalitis is mutations in the toll-like receptor (TLR-3) or UNC-93B genes 6. It has been postulated that these mutations inhibit normal interferon-based responses.

Widespread infection

Disseminated infection and/or persistent ulceration due to herpes simplex virus (HSV) can be serious in debilitated or immune deficient patients, for example in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, transplant recipients (solid organ or hematopoietic stem cells) or leukemia/lymphoma patients 13, 14.

In the immunocompromised patient population, HSV infection can result in severe and chronic infection. The most common presentation of severe and chronic HSV infection is quickly enlarging ulcerations or verrucous/pustular lesions. It is not uncommon for patients to have respiratory or gastrointestinal tract involvement and present with shortness of breath (dyspnea) or difficulty or painful swallowing (dysphagia) 15, 16, 17, 18.

Neonatal herpes

Neonatal herpes can occur when an infant is exposed to HSV during vaginal delivery. Neonatal herpes simplex virus infection is rare, occurring in an estimated 1 in 1000 newborns in the United States. However, it is a serious condition that can lead to lasting neurologic disability or death. Women with recurrent genital herpes have a low risk of vertically transmitting HSV to their newborn baby. However, risk for neonatal herpes is greatest when a mother acquires HSV for the first time in late pregnancy.

Cold sores diagnosis

Your doctor can usually diagnose oral herpes just by looking at them (grouped vesicles or ulcers on an erythematous base). To confirm the diagnosis, he or she may take a sample from the blister for testing in a laboratory by culture or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of a viral swab taken from fresh vesicles. The most sensitive and specific mechanism is viral polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Herpes simplex virus (HSV) serology is not very informative, as it’s positive in most individuals and thus not specific for the lesion with which they present. Viral culture, direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) assay, and Tzanck smear are alternative methods of diagnosing. It is important to note that the Tzanck smear identifies multinucleated giant cells, so it cannot distinguish between HSV and varicella zoster virus (VZV) 6. The direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) assay, however, can distinguish between the 2 entities 19.

Cold sores treatment

Cold sores generally clear up without treatment in two to four weeks. Cold sore treatment includes managing outbreaks with over-the-counter (OTC) creams to prescription drugs to home remedies that include ice packs and aloe vera gels. Which you choose will depend on how many outbreaks you have and what works best for you.

For episodic treatment, oral antiviral agents, such as acyclovir (Zovirax), valacyclovir (Valtrex) and famciclovir (Famvir), are superior to topical antiviral therapy 20. Valacyclovir and famciclovir have greater oral bioavailability and are better absorbed than acyclovir, require less frequent dosing, but are more expensive and are not approved for children 20. Topical antiviral agents such as 5% acyclovir cream/ointment (Zovirax) ± hydrocortisone (Xerese), 1% penciclovir (Denavir) cream, and 50 mg Buccal Adhesive Tablet (ABT-50 mg) can also be used for episodic treatment of herpes labialis 20. These topical agents are not effective in the prevention of recurrent herpes labialis. For chronic daily suppressive therapy, oral antivirals are the treatment of choice 20.

Prescription medicines

If you have several outbreaks a year, you should see your family doctor. They will work with you on a treatment plan that may include prescription antiviral medicine. Oral antiviral medications include:

  • Acyclovir (Zovirax) – 200 mg 5 times daily for five days
  • OR
  • Acyclovir (Zovirax) – 400 mg 3 times daily for five days
  • OR
  • Famciclovir (Famvir) – as a single dose of 3 x 500 mg
  • OR
  • Valacyclovir (Valtrex) –  1 g 3 times daily for seven days
  • OR
  • Valacyclovir (Valtrex) – 2 grams twice daily for one day

Some of these products are packaged as pills to be swallowed. Others are creams to be applied to the sores several times a day. In general, the pills work better than the creams. For very severe infections, some antiviral drugs can be given with an injection. These medicines not only help speed healing, they also may prevent future outbreaks.

Topical aciclovir or penciclovir may shorten attacks of recurrent herpes simplex, provided the cream is started early enough.

Higher doses of antiviral drugs are used for eczema herpeticum or for disseminated herpes simplex.

Your doctor may also prescribe you a numbing gel if your cold sore is painful.

Home remedies for cold sores

If your outbreaks aren’t as severe or frequent, an OTC medicine should help soothe and heal your cold sore. There are a variety of OTC creams, gels, patches, lip balms, and even lasers designed to minimize symptoms and shorten the cold sore cycle. A small sampling of popular products include:

  • Creams, gels and ointments containing the drugs aciclovir (Zovirax cream 5%) or penciclovir (Denavir) are available in pharmacies without a prescription. For them to be able to work, they have to be applied to the affected area every 2 to 3 hours during the daytime. The treatment lasts five days, but should not exceed 10 days 21.
  • Docosanol (Abreva) is an FDA approved cream safe for people 12 years of age and older. If you begin using it at first tingle, it can shorten healing time. It also helps minimize symptoms. At the first sign of symptoms, apply it to the affected skin as directed on the package.
  • Zilactin Cold Sore Gel relieves pain and promotes healing with an active ingredient of 10% benzyl alcohol. The gel creates a protective barrier over your cold sore.
  • Orajel Cold Sore Patented Treatment is a liquid treatment with touch-free applicator. It cleans the affected area and provides pain relief.
  • Mederma cold sore patch uses hydrocolloid gel to boost recovery and reduce scab formation.
  • Compeed Cold Sore Patch conceals your cold sore while it heals it. The patch also helps prevent speading your cold sore to others.
  • Laser treatment is the latest—and priciest—treatment to enter the market. The Virulite Invisible Light Electronic Cold Sore Treatment Device is FDA approved to treat your cold sore at home. Treatments may result in clearing cold sore in a matter of days.
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil) both help relieve cold sore pain.

There is also a combination drug (Zovirax Duo) that contains both aciclovir and a mild steroid 22, 23, 24. One study looked into whether this combination drug can lower the risk of cold sore blisters and scabs forming 24. The combination drug (Zovirax Duo) that contains both aciclovir and a mild steroid was either compared with aciclovir used alone or with a non-medicated cream (placebo). The people in the study had an average of 5 to 6 cold sores per year, and their cold sores often crusted over and formed scabs. They started using the treatment as soon as they noticed the first signs of a cold sore developing. The study suggests that the combination of aciclovir and a steroid is somewhat more effective than aciclovir alone 24. In other words, compared to aciclovir alone, the combination drug (Zovirax Duo that contain both aciclovir and a mild steroid) prevented the development of blisters and scabs in an extra 7 out of 100 people 24. Topical treatments for cold sores can sometimes irritate the skin a bit, but no serious side effects occurred in the studies.

To ease the discomfort of a cold sore:

  • Try other cold sore remedies. Some over-the-counter preparations contain a drying agent, such as alcohol, that may speed healing.
  • Use lip balms and cream. Protect your lips from the sun with a zinc oxide cream or lip balm with sunblock. If your lips become dry, apply a moisturizing cream.
  • Apply a cool compress. A cool, damp cloth may reduce redness, help remove crusting and promote healing.
  • Apply pain-relieving creams. Over-the-counter creams with lidocaine or benzocaine may offer some pain relief.

Home remedies for cold sores

There are many home remedies for treating a cold sore. Some may be effective. However, there is no medical evidence that these methods can shorten healing time or provide pain relief.

  • Aloe vera gel
  • Vitamins C and vitamin E
  • Tea tree oil
  • Peppermint oil
  • Lemon balm
  • Vanilla extract
  • Tea bag
  • Ice
  • Lysine. An amino acid, lysine is available as an oral supplement and as a cream.
  • Propolis. Also known as synthetic beeswax, this is available as a 3 percent ointment. When applied early and often, it may shorten the duration of the breakout.
  • Rhubarb and sage. A cream combining rhubarb and sage may be about as effective as acyclovir (Zovirax) cream.
  • Stress reduction. If your cold sores are triggered by stress, you might want to try relaxation techniques, such as deep-breathing exercises and meditation.

Whichever treatment you choose for your cold sore, know that it has the best chance of working if you start it during the tingling stage.

Recurring cold sores treatment

Oral acyclovir is effective in suppressing herpes labialis in immunocompetent adults with frequent recurrences. In one randomized control trial, treatment with oral acyclovir (400 mg twice per day) resulted in a 53 percent reduction in the number of clinical recurrences and a 71 percent reduction in virus culture-positive recurrences compared with placebo 25. The median time to first clinically documented recurrence was 46 days for placebo courses and 118 days for acyclovir courses 25. The mean number of recurrences per four-month treatment period was 1.80 episodes per patient during placebo treatment and 0.85 episodes per patient during acyclovir treatment 25.

Treatment with oral valacyclovir (500 mg per day) for 16 weeks was compared with placebo in the suppression of herpes labialis in patients with a history of four or more recurrent lesions in the previous year 26. Results showed 60 percent of persons in the valacyclovir group were recurrence-free throughout the study period compared with 38 percent in the placebo group. The mean time to first recurrence was longer with valacyclovir (13.1 weeks) compared with placebo (9.6 weeks) 26.

In a Cochrane review of herpes labialis prevention in patients receiving treatment for cancer, acyclovir was found to be effective in the prevention of HSV infections, as measured by oral lesions or viral isolates 27. There was no evidence that valacyclovir is more effective than acyclovir. In another study, daily valacyclovir (500 mg per day) and acyclovir (400 mg twice per day) were equally effective in the prevention of recurrent HSV eye disease 28.

Cold sores prognosis

Overall, the vast majority of HSV-1 infections are asymptomatic, and if symptomatic present with mild recurrent cold sores. The prognosis of HSV-1 infection varies depending on your age, your overall health and avoiding of specific triggers (e.g., trauma, stress, immunosuppression, and sunlight exposure) that cause oral herpes to recur 29. The majority of the time, HSV-1 infection follows a chronic course of latency and reactivation. HSV encephalitis is associated with high mortality; approximately 70% of untreated cases are ultimately fatal. The prognosis of ocular HSV can also be grim if the patient develops eyeball rupture or corneal scarring, as these processes can ultimately lead to blindness 30.

References
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