Cold sores: causes, symptoms and treatment with therapeutic laser
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 items. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the cold sore virus and how to avoid it.
It’s 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 deal with discomfort and embarrassment. It can become a nuisance when talking, eating, or even socializing with others.
Keep reading to find out 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, bodily fluids, or close contact, such as kissing, coughing, or coming into contact with objects used by the person carrying the virus, such as glasses, utensils, brushes, towels, etc.
The skin of our lips is very sensitive and, therefore, more susceptible to infections, especially if the lips are very dry and cracked, since they become more vulnerable to bacteria entering.
It’s common for the herpes virus to remain dormant for a long time and then appear suddenly.
Stress, a weakened immune system, sun exposure, and chemical aggressions are the main factors that trigger outbreaks, especially oral and nasal ones.
Sun, excessive cold, and stress are enemies that can easily trigger a new outbreak.
It’s common to hear testimonials from people whose cold sores come and go frequently.
Cold Sores: Symptoms
Cold sore symptoms can vary from person to person, but they 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 tender to the 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 the 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.
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How to Prevent Cold Sores?
Generally, cold sores occur when our immune system is weaker, for example, when we have a cold or another illness.
We should therefore:
- Eat a healthy diet and avoid alcohol;
- Avoid intimate contact (such as kissing) with infected people;
- Wash our hands several times a day.
A preventive laser protocol lasts up to 18 months.
Treating Cold Sores with Therapeutic Laser? Is There a Cure for Herpes?
Although there is no definitive cure, we can say that herpes treatment has gained a strong ally: therapeutic laser.
It 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 taking antiviral medication.
The laser has also been used to improve oral health in periodontal disease, oral mucositis, hypersensitivity, canker sores, temporomandibular joint disorder, and others. Learn more: the use of laser in dentistry.
Fotona Laser in the Treatment of Cold Sores
The Fotona laser revolutionized the market, and it’s the one we use at our clinic in the Algarve. It’s a cutting-edge technology that uses light energy to treat a variety of medical conditions. It’s painless and effective in treating and preventing cold sores.
The therapeutic laser reduces the viral load, speeds up healing, relieves pain, and repairs damaged tissue.
After the professional evaluates your case, treatment can begin as soon as the first symptoms appear, such as itching and lip sensitivity. 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.
Related treatments
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Atelier do Sorriso:
Laser Cold Sore Treatment in the Algarve
Cold sores come back at times of stress or low immunity. At Atelier do Sorriso we use the Fotona laser to relieve the sores and help prevent new outbreaks.
Therapeutic Laser
The laser acts on the sore and relieves discomfort.
Early Treatment
The earlier the treatment, the better the sore responds.
No Needles
A quick, non-invasive treatment.
Preventing Outbreaks
We explain what triggers cold sores and how to avoid it.
Fotona Laser
Technology we also use in other dental and facial treatments.
Personalised Advice
We explain what to expect and when to treat again.
Photos of our clinic in Almancil, Algarve, where we treat cold sores with a laser:
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