If you’ve ever had a painful sore around your lips, then you know how uncomfortable and embarrassing it can be. This discomfort is caused by the cold sore virus, which is highly contagious and can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected person and even by sharing personal utensils. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about the cold sore virus and how you can avoid it.
It is estimated that on average 90% of the population carries the herpes virus latent in their body. Most people never develop symptoms, but those who do often face discomfort and embarrassment. It can become a nuisance when talking, eating, or even socializing with others.
Keep reading to discover how the cold sore virus manifests and how you can avoid it.
What Causes Cold Sores?
Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). It is transmitted through saliva, body fluids, or close contact, such as kissing, coughing, or coming into contact with objects used by the person with the virus, such as cups, cutlery, brushes, towels, etc.
The epidermis of our lips is very sensitive and, therefore, more susceptible to infections, especially if the lips are very dry and cracked, as they become more vulnerable to the entry of bacteria.
It is common for herpes viruses to remain inactive for a long time and suddenly appear.
Stress, low immunity, sun exposure, and chemical aggressions are the main factors that trigger outbreaks, especially oral and nasal.
Sun, excessive cold, and stress are enemies of herpes and can easily trigger a new outbreak.
It is common to hear testimonies from people who experience frequent herpes outbreaks.
Cold Sores: Symptoms
The symptoms of cold sores can vary from person to person, but generally include:
- Tingling and itching: before the sore appears, you may feel tingling or itching in the affected area.
- Pain: the cold sore is usually painful and can be sensitive to touch.
- Blisters: the sore may develop into one or more small fluid-filled blisters. As the blisters break, they can release fluid and form a crust.
- Itching and burning: the affected area may itch or burn, which can increase discomfort.
- Fever: some people with cold sores may also have a fever, sore throat, or headache.
Cold sores are highly contagious and can be transmitted even when no symptoms are present.
How to Prevent Cold Sores?
Generally, herpes occurs when our immune system is weaker, such as when we have a cold or another illness.
We should:
- Maintain a healthy diet and avoid alcohol;
- Avoid intimate contact (such as kissing) with infected people;
- Wash hands several times a day.
A preventive protocol with laser lasts up to 18 months.
Treatment of Cold Sores with Therapeutic Laser?
Is there a cure for herpes?
Although there is no cure, we can say that the treatment of herpes has gained a strong ally: therapeutic laser.
This is used by the best dentists to reduce the discomfort of patients with cold sores.
The laser relieves the pain caused by herpes and is an alternative to the consumption of antivirals.
The laser has also been used to improve oral health in periodontal diseases, oral mucositis, hypersensitivity, canker sores, temporomandibular dysfunction, and others. Learn more: use of laser in dentistry.
⭐ Fotona Laser in the Treatment of Cold Sores
The Fotona Laser has revolutionized the market and is what we use in our dental clinic in the Algarve. It is a cutting-edge technology that uses light energy to treat a variety of medical conditions. It is painless and effective in the treatment and prevention of herpes.
Therapeutic laser reduces the viral load, accelerates healing, relieves pain, and repairs traumatized tissues.
After the professional analyzes your case, the treatment can be started as soon as the first symptoms, such as itching and sensitivity on the lip, appear. The dentist will decide which laser is best for your case.
The application should be done for at least three consecutive days and should be repeated if the lesions reappear.
The laser has proven to be an alternative to antivirals and is an effective, safe treatment with very positive results for the patient.
If you suffer from cold sores and are looking for a treatment option, consider using the Fotona therapeutic laser.
Do you want to treat cold sores in the Algarve?
Call (+351) 915 550 999 ℹ️ or use the form below to schedule your appointment at our Atelier do Sorriso Almancil Clinic in the Algarve.
