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Cold Sores / Fever Blisters / Oral Herpes
Overview
Cold sores are
very common and highly contagious. They’re caused by herpes
viruses. Outbreaks may increase with stress, illnesses (even
colds), excessive sun exposure, menstrual periods, dental
treatment, and/or other “triggers.” Cold sores usually involve
the lips, gums, and mouth.
You can transmit
herpes viruses to your eyes if you touch a sore and then touch
your eyes. This can lead to major vision problems. Oral herpes
can be transmitted to the genital area during oral-genital sex.
The advice in this section pertains only to cold sores that
occur on, around, or in the mouth.
Signs and Symptoms
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A
“prodrome” period with itching, tingling, burning and/or
pain at the outbreak site and/or fever less than 100.5
degrees F (38 degrees C) before sores appear. You can
transmit the viruses at this time even though sores aren’t
yet visible.
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Small, painful blisters that break and ooze, form a painful
ulcer, and then form a crusted, scabbed lesion.
Self-Care Measures
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Don’t rub or scratch your cold sores.
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Wash your hands frequently. Keep them away from your eyes
and genitals.
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Avoid spicy, salty, or acidic foods.
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Take an OTC analgesic for pain, or apply ice to your sores.
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Use an OTC drying or soothing agent such as Anbesol, Orabase,
or Blistex, but don’t use it on sores on your genitals or
inside your mouth.
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Use a topical OTC antiviral medication (e.g. Abreva). For
best results, start using it when prodromal sensations first
occur but definitely within 24 hours of the onset of your
symptoms.
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Don’t kiss or perform oral sex on anyone during the prodrome
period and until your sores are healed. Be advised: Viruses
sometimes can be transmitted even outside of these times.
Check in with the
nurse if there is..
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Inability to eat or drink.
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Sores on your genitals, near your eyes or on your nose.
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Any indication that your eyes are infected such as redness,
pain, or swelling.
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Signs of infection of your sores such as increased
tenderness, swelling, yellowish-green oozing and/or fever of
100.5 F (38 degrees C) or higher.
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Sores that don’t heal within 2 weeks or new sores that
continue to appear.
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