Cold Sores and Canker Sores

Cold Sores or Canker Sores

What are they?

A Cold Sore is Herpes simplex a viral disease caused by both herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2)

A fever blister/herpes is a cluster of small blisters on the lip and outer edge of the mouth. Usually last between 7-10 days

 

A Canker Sore is a type of oral ulcer, which presents as a painful open sore inside the mouth, under the tongue, or upper throat characterized by a break in the mucous membrane.

Types of Canker Sores:

Minor - painful

Major - larger, oddly shaped, leaves a scar

Herpetiform  - cluster, tiny lesions, last longer (one week to a month)

How are they spread?

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1) is spread through fluids (kissing). HSV-1 lives in saliva, sharing kitchen utensils, drinking glasses and oral sex.

How to avoid HSV?

No:

• Kissing when you are contagious
• Borrowing someones lip stick or lip moisture tube
• Avoid stressful situations
• Sharing of tooth brushes
• Tableware (e.g. fork, spoons, etc.)
• Glasses/cups
• Oral sex

How are they treated?

Traditional - Over-the-Counter Medication :

• Abreva
• Lipreve for cold sores
• H-Balm
• Super Lysine - tablets or ointment
• Lip clear lysine
• Herpecan - L Lip Balm
• Viroxyn
• Nexcare
• Orajet

Natural Remedies:

• Lysine Oinment or Suppliments
• Lemon Balm

Home Remedies:

• Petroleum jelly
• Rinse mouth with salt and warm water
• Cover your cold sore
• Change tooth brush
• Protect lips from the sun
• Do not touch with hands (clean first)
• Licorice (chew)
• Ice packs
• Milk
• Zinc lozenges 

Please! Please! Take care of yourself and be mindful of what you see in your next lip encounter or eating out.

For more information go to http://www.dentist.net/, http://www.webmd.com/, www.ask.com


Live well

Doc V