Bayat article #3 – 12/29/05

Cold sores are small, painful blisters on the lips and nearby skin. It is caused by the herpes simplex type I virus, which is the same virus that causes genital herpes. The fluid in the blisters contains live virus that can be spread from person to person by kissing, sharing food, or by touching the blisters and not washing your hands. The blisters usually last 7 to 10 days and are considered contagious as long as there is liquid secretion from the blister.

Once you are infected, the virus continues to live in your body even after the blisters are gone. It can be reactivated during times of stress including illness, excess sun exposure, dental work, etc.

Cold sores can be treated by topical antiviral medication or even better is oral antiviral medication. Starting treatment as quickly as possible from the first onset of symptoms (burning, numbness, tingling) can lesson the progression of symptoms.

To prevent from getting cold sores practice good hand washing, avoid kissing anyone with cold sores; avoid sharing soaps, washcloths, cosmetics, eating and drinking utensils. If you have cold sores, avoid touching it to prevent spreading it to other parts of your body and be careful not to pass oral cold sores to your sexual partners. If you are caring for someone with the herpes virus, be sure to wear gloves to avoid direct contact with the blisters.

Neda Bayat, D.O.

Diplomate, American Board of Family Practice

Member, South Bay Independent Physicians Medical Group, Inc.