Cold Sore on Lips

Also known as fever blisters or oral herpes, cold sores mostly affect the conspicuous part of the body; nose, cheeks, mouth, eyelids and fingers, other than lips. These sores are common and recurring in nature in the same location of the affected person. Cold sores are itchy and painful for most people; they infect the skin's epidermis layer and form fluid-filled red blisters. It has been studied that around 50% - 80% of the world population is affected by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1). However it is surprising to know that not all experience the outbreak of the virus and suffer from cold sores. There are various causes behind cold sores on lips and other areas of the body. Some of these causes have been described below, apart from the treatment.

Causes of Cold Sores on Lips

As mentioned earlier, the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1) is responsible for causing cold sores on the lips and other areas as mentioned above. Herpes simplex virus 2 can also cause the same, though. Cold sores on lips do not have any specific causes that are different from the sores that may appear elsewhere. The causes remain the same; no matter which part of the body has been affected.

After the virus infects a person, it may go into a state of dormancy for many years without showing any signs or symptoms. However, there are certain factors that may trigger recurrence, and result in the outbreak of blisters. Some factors or causes like dry and injured lips, stress, menstruation, insomnia or sleep disorders, too much exposure to the UV rays of the sun, tooth extraction, digestive disorders, common cold, influenza (flu), etc. are mainly responsible for the sudden outbreak of the fever blisters.

As yet, there has been no development of any method through which cold sores can be cured. After the virus infects a person, chances of its eradication is close to nil. However, different preventive measures and treatments are available for reducing the number of outbreaks, and the severity.

Cold Sores on Lips - Treatment

# Cold sores usually clear up within about a couple of weeks. However, if the symptoms are painful or bother you, then you can go for treatment. Before the cold sores appear, you may feel an unusual sensation around the lips. This may include tingling, burning, pain or even numbness. If you feel such symptoms, go for some over-the-counter medicines (OTC), that will relieve the pain, itching or burning sensations.

# Treatment of cold sores on lips and other parts can be done by using different kinds of medicines. There are medicines that have a numbing effect on the blisters, and so help in alleviating burning, itching and pain. Some medicines are antiviral by nature and though they do not have any direct effect on the virus, they help in healing the sores by preventing secondary bacterial infection.Common topical OTC medicines include Lidocaine and Benzocaine. Acyclovir (Zovirax), Famciclovir (Famvir), and Valacyclovir (Valtrex) are oral medications that help in reducing the duration of the sores and lessen the pain.

# Always wash your hands, face and lips using lukewarm water and face-washing soap. After having washed, apply the medicine on the lips and the surrounding area, using a cotton swab. After applying the medicine, avoid licking your lips as much as possible. Administer the medicines about 5 times a day, and do not forget to clean your hands after touching the sores.

# Dry and chapped lips are also a cause of cold sores on lips. Keeping the lips and skin well moisturized decreases the chances of outbreak of the blisters. Lip balms help in moisturizing the scabs that form on the sores and keep them from cracking or bleeding.

# Too much exposure to sunlight also aggravates the symptoms of cold sores. So it is wise to apply sunblock creams and ointments, when you are out of home.

# Foods that are rich in lysine are beneficial in curbing the outbreak of the sores. Beef, fish, chicken, milk, cheese, yogurt, and eggs when included in the diet helps in healing the sores. Fruits such as apples, pears, mangoes, apricots and summer squash must be included in the diet as they contain immense quantity of lysine. Your doctor may also prescribe you medicines that are lysine-based.

As there is no cure for this disease, knowing about its prevention is vital. Initiate the treatment at the earliest stage and you can prevent things from getting worse. Apart from medicines, there are also certain home remedies for cold sores, that most people use to reduce the symptoms. In an event of unawareness about the treatment or the preventive measures, do not be hesitant to seek a doctor's advice.