Cold sores are common, and most of the time, they clear up on their own. However, when they recur frequently, they can become difficult to manage. Moreover, cold sores are contagious, so it’s important to get them checked as early as you can. Read on to learn the signs of this condition and when to seek professional cold sore treatment from our Pearland dentist.
What Causes Cold Sores?
Cold sores are tiny, fluid-filled blisters that typically form on or around the lips. Also called fever blisters, they are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), and less commonly by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). The virus lies dormant in your body until it is activated or reactivated by triggers.
Common triggers for cold sores include:
- Fever or viral infection
- Fatigue
- Stress
- Being in the sun
- Windy, cold, or other extreme weather conditions
- Changes in your immune system
- Injury to the skin
Once HSV-1 is activated, cold sores start to appear. Patients often experience itching, tingling, or burning sensations around the lips for a day or two before blisters appear.
When to Seek Professional Care for Cold Sores?
Although in most cases cold sores go away on their own within a week or two. But we recommend consulting our Pearland, TX, expert for cold sore treatment if they are severe and recur frequently.
Our dentist can evaluate for complications or signs of secondary infection and recommend appropriate care if needed. Some common signs that suggest the need for professional cold sore treatment are:
- Cold sores that do not heal within 2 weeks
- Inflammation in the lips or gums
- Recurring cold sores, often happening multiple times a year
- Pain that makes it hard to eat or speak
- They extend to other areas of your mouth, gums, or face
Another common sign is when different types of over-the-counter (OTC) products, such as creams and patches, are not so helpful in relieving your symptoms. We recommend seeking professional care before symptoms worsen.
How Can Our Pearland Dentist Help With Cold Sore Treatment
When cold sores don’t heal on their own or often recur, more advanced treatment is needed. After assessing your medical history and symptoms, our dentist can help with:
Prescription medications
We prescribe strong antiviral medications to reduce the duration and severity of outbreaks. These medications are most effective when taken early on. Our expert may also prescribe topical medication for pain relief.
Laser therapy
An advanced treatment for cold sores is low-level laser therapy (LLLT). At our practice, we use this non-invasive solution to speed up the healing process of cold sores and reduce their recurrence.
Along with these therapies, we also provide guidance on managing your trigger factors to prevent future outbreaks.
Final Words
Frequent or painful cold sores can be challenging to deal with. But with early cold sore treatment at our Pearland, TX, office, you can prevent the issue from recurring. Visit our team at Anh B. Dao, DDS & Associate today or call us at (281) 992-7000 to schedule your visit.