Cold sore/blister......?!
Question: I have this cold core on the side of my mouth (where my mouth opens) & its like little blisters together in one circle, i got it out of no where..ive been forgetting to brush my teeth cause ive been in a rush, is that what caused it? or is it herpes? what could this be? =(
Answers: I have this cold core on the side of my mouth (where my mouth opens) & its like little blisters together in one circle, i got it out of no where..ive been forgetting to brush my teeth cause ive been in a rush, is that what caused it? or is it herpes? what could this be? =(
Topic Overview
What are cold sores?
Cold sores, sometimes called fever blisters, are clusters of small blisters on the lip and outer edge of the mouth. The skin around the blisters is often red and inflamed. The blisters can break open, weep a clear fluid, and then scab over after a few days. Complete healing may take 7 to 10 days.
See an illustration of cold sores.
What causes cold sores?
Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV-1 usually leads to lip and mouth sores (herpes labialis), while HSV-2 most often leads to genital herpes. However, both virus types can cause cold sores or genital herpes if skin comes into contact with either type.
What are the symptoms?
You can be infected with HSV and have no symptoms. For some people, however, cold sores can be painful. Initial symptoms can include mouth soreness, fever, sore throat, or swollen lymph glands. Small children sometimes drool before a cold sore appears. After the blisters develop, cold sores usually break open, weep clear fluid, and then crust over and disappear after several days to a week.
How are cold sores diagnosed?
Your health professional can diagnose cold sores by asking you questions to determine whether you have been exposed to the HSV and by examining you. No further testing is usually needed.
How are cold sores treated?
Cold sores will usually go away on their own within a few days. However, if they are severe or cause you embarrassment or discomfort, cold sores can be treated. Treatment may include topical creams or ointments or sometimes antiviral medicines (such as acyclovir or famciclovir). Treatment may lessen the duration of the cold sores by only 1 to 2 days, but can help soothe painful blisters or other uncomfortable symptoms.
The herpes simplex virus (HSV) that causes cold sores cannot be cured. If sores develop regularly, treatment can reduce the number and severity of outbreaks.
How are cold sores spread?
The herpes simplex virus (HSV) usually enters your body through a break in the skin around or inside your mouth. It is spread through coughing, sneezing, direct contact with a cold sore, or touching contaminated fluid