About this topic
Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus. They are often called fever blisters. This infection causes small, painful, fluid-filled blisters on or near the lips and inside the mouth. The blisters are often red and painful. They may break open and form scabs. This infection may be spread from person to person. ‚
The first time you have a cold sore you may also have: ‚
- Swelling in the neck
- Fever
- Pain in your mouth and throat
- Body aches
You may get cold sores just one time or you may get them again and again. If you get cold sores again, you may only have the blisters. You may not have the other signs at all, or they may be much milder. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Apply ice or a cold, wet towel on the sores a few times each day. This will help with redness and swelling.
- Use a mouth rinse to help with mouth pain.
- Wash your hands with soap and water every time you touch your sore.
- When you have a cold sore, protect others:
- Do not kiss anyone.
- Avoid sharing personal items like razors, towels, lipstick, or knives and forks.
- Do not give anyone oral sex.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Promote healing
- Prevent cold sores from coming back
What changes to diet are needed?
Avoid foods and juices that are high in acid like tomatoes, oranges, and grapefruit. ‚
What problems could happen?
Infection moves to other parts of the body ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Avoid kissing people who have cold sores.
- Do not share cups, eating utensils, towels, or other items used by someone with cold sores.
- Use sunscreen on your lips and face. Avoid being in the sun for long periods of time.
- Wash your hands often. Try not to touch the cold sore. This will help to prevent spreading the infection to your eyes, genitals, or to other people.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills.
- Signs of wound infection. These include swelling, redness, warmth around the sore; too much pain when touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge; foul smell coming from the sore.
- You have a weakened immune system and get a cold sore
- You get a cold sore near your eye
- The sores make it hard for you to talk or swallow
- Cold sores do not heal in 10 days
- You often get cold sores
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you how to care for my cold sore.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have swelling, redness, or warmth around my sore or it does not heal in 10 days.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Dermatology ‚
http://www.aad.org/media-resources/stats-and-facts/prevention-and-care/lip-and-mouth-care ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/skin/cold_sores.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚