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Cold Weather and Cold Sores

Home-Remedies-Cold-Sores

It’s that time of year again when dry skin and chapped lips become problems. Some of you may also deal with cold sores around the start of the winter season. So, what exactly triggers cold sores?

The small blisters on your lips or in your mouth are actually caused by a virus called herpes simplex virus-1. The virus can lie dormant in your body for years and can be triggered by other infections, stress, cold weather and even certain foods. Ultimately, the cause is unpredictable, as well as the triggers that reactivate the virus. Don’t let the name fool you either. It doesn’t take having a cold or sniffles to develop a cold sore.

These painful blisters are extremely contagious, so be very careful when they appear. Their underlying virus is spread through direct skin contact. So you’ll want to give hugs instead of kissing. They can also be spread by sharing a cup, eating utensils or lip balm even when you can’t see a sore.

Thankfully, cold sores normally go away within 7 to 10 days. But there’s no way to make the infection go away completely. It’s important to see a doctor if you have another health condition that has weakened your immune system. Also consult a doctor if the sores don’t heal by themselves within 7 to 10 days, you get cold sores often, or you have signs of a bacterial infection.

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.

How to Deal with Cold Sores

A sore knot in your lip is usually a sign that a cold sore is developing. Not only are they painful and irritating, they can be embarrassing. Here are the details on how to deal with cold sores.

Cold sores, or fever blisters, are groups of small blisters around the mouth caused by the herpes simplex-1 virus. The skin around the blister is often red, swollen, and sore. Once the virus is contracted, usually at a young age, it remains in your system forever. Common triggers for an outbreak include stress, cold weather and lack of sleep. Staying healthy is the best defense from cold sores.

Cold sores usually heal on their own in a period ranging from several days to 2 weeks, but treatment options are available if you’re in pain. Check your local pharmacy for skin creams, ointments and pills that help get rid of the sores and ease pain.

Because the virus that causes cold sores is very contagious, it is important you take certain steps to stop the spread of blisters. Avoid kissing, sharing utensils and drinking after others if you anticipate a sore. Also remember, the virus can affect parts of your body other than the lips. It’s best not to touch the affected area at all. If you do, be mindful of your eyes, the virus can cause serious damage here.

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.

It’s Not What You Think – Cold Sores

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.