Dry, cracked lips are a common winter nuisance that can be remedied with a good lip balm. Another winter nuisance is a cold sore.
Cold sores, sometimes called fever blisters, are caused by the herpes simplex virus. The virus usually enters the body through a break in the skin around the mouth- perhaps the reason why cold sores are more common in the winter. They can and will spread so be sure to kill the kissing until your cold sore heals.
Symptoms usually include pain around your mouth. In certain cases you may have a sore throat or swollen glands. After the blister appears, it will usually break open, leak fluid, and crust over until it disappears within 2 weeks. Cold sores will heal on their own, but you can find ointments and skin creams to speed up the process if you’re uncomfortable or embarrassed.
The winter months require us to become extra attentive to our skin. Now is the time to start wearing thicker moisturizers with sunscreen, exfoliating weekly and paying special attention to our face and lips.
If you have any questions about cold sores or about changes in your skin, please call us today at 865-690-9467. Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.
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