Profile: Cold Sores (Oral Herpes)

Definition: A cluster of small, red, swollen, painful, and highly contagious blisters filled with fluid that form on the outside of the mouth, around the lips. They can also form on the chin, cheeks, or inside the nostrils, as well as on the gums or the roof of the mouth. After infection, it occurs in several stages: (1) a tingling, burning, or itching sensation; (2) blister formation about 12 to 24 hours later; (3) bursting of the blister and fluid leakage; (4) covering of the lesion with a crust that could crack or bleed. Typically, cold sores disappear on their own in 1 or 2 weeks and no treatment is usually necessary.

Internal and external causes: Cause: Infection by the herpes simplex virus; Trigger: Exposure to the sun

How to reduce or eliminate: No known treatment can permanently cure cold sores and prevent their recurrence; prescription of antiviral medications is recommended in the form of topical creams (acyclovir, penciclovir, docosanol), orally (acyclovir, famciclovir, valacyclovir), or intravenously (cidofovir, foscarnet) to expedite healing.

Preventative steps to take: There is no surefire way to prevent cold sores, but steps can be taken to reduce the frequency and duration of outbreaks. Use a lip balm with a high-index, broad-spectrum sunscreen daily; avoid close physical contact with people showing symptoms; get enough sleep.