Other Reasons for Cold Sores Besides Herpes

Cold sores around and inside the mouth can be painful. Occasionally, people call them "fever blisters" or "canker sores." However, cold sore blisters are not the same as canker sores. Cold sores the lips are easy to detect since they are immediately right there on the face. However, it is not unusual for dentists and doctors to diagnose cold sores inside the mouth, since they can occur not just on the lips, but also on the tongue, gums and even into the throat.

Causes

• According to Maria Essig, MS of WebMD and the Mayo Clinic, the primary cause of cold sores is herpes simplex virus or HSV. Although many would like to think there are other reasons for cold sores to appear around the mouth (cold temperatures, weather, stress), the reality is that herpes is the root cause of the blisters to appear. There are several different types of herpes virus and the HSV1, which is the type that causes cold sores, is carried in almost everyone's body, particularly if you had chickenpox.

Symptoms

• According to the Mayo Clinic, the symptoms of cold sores are generally fairly obvious. A small cluster of blisters forms along the edge of lips, on the tongue, on the inner cheek, gums or at the back of the throat. Often, before the blisters appear, a tingling sensation may be felt and the lips may be itchy feeling. Once the blisters appear, they may stay on the lips for one to three days before they pop and then begin to form a crust on them and then peel. Once the blisters have burst they are very contagious and should be kept clean and not touched.

Treatment

• Generally, cold sores clear up on their own without the need for medical intervention within approximately seven to 10 days. However, if a person has frequent outbreaks or is particularly sensitive to the painful sensations of the blisters on their lips or in their mouth, antiviral medications (Zovirax and Valtrex) can help shorten outbreaks. According to the Mayo Clinic, these medications work by suppressing the herpes virus and shortening outbreaks. However, they should be taken continuously and, if not, then as soon as a person begins to feel tingling, indicating an impending outbreak. Keep in mind, however, that antiviral medications do not cure cold sores and they remain contagious.

Home Remedies

• Several different types of home remedies that have proven successful in treating cold sores, according to the Mayo Clinic. Ointments that can be purchased at a drug store, such as Zilicam, can help with the pain and discomfort of a cold sore outbreak. In addition, taking over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin or Tylenol can help. Using cold or hot compresses can also help ease the pain associated with cold sores and finally; simply letting the cold sore run its course and heal will eventually resolve the problem.

Prevention

• Although cold sores are causes by the herpes virus, there are still things that can be done to avoid getting them or triggering an outbreak, according to the Mayo Clinic. Avoiding kissing or sharing foods with people who have an open outbreak is the first measure. Because cold sores are extremely contagious, avoid sharing lipstick, forks, cups or other items that have been touched by someone else's mouth. Keep your hands clean and do not touch other parts of your body, as this may spread the virus; be particularly aware of your nose and eyes. Finally, avoid triggers, such as sun exposure, getting run down and not getting enough sleep.