Brian S. Nylaan, D.D.S.: 7 Things You May Not Know About Cold Sores

You're Contagious Before a Cold Sore Even Appears

The herpes simplex virus (HSV) that causes cold sores is actually activated a day or two before you have any visible symptoms, just as it is with chicken pox and other herpes viruses. So you're contagious a few days before a cold sore appears and until after the sore heals. Some people—about one-third to one-half of those who get cold sores—experience prodromal symptoms a day or two before a cold sore appears, including a slight fever and/or tingling, stinging or itching on the lips. But many do not. Your best protection? Don’t share lipstick, lip balm, a toothbrush, a drinking glass or anything else that comes in contact with your mouth.

Cold Sores on the Lips Can Cause Genital Herpes

In most cases, genital herpes and cold sores on the lips are caused by two different strains of the herpes virus: HSV-2 and HSV-1, respectively, although genital herpes can also be caused by HSV-1. However, if you have a cold sore on your lip and you engage in oral sex with your partner, you can transfer the HSV-1 virus, giving your partner genital herpes. Genital herpes caused by HSV-1 tends to be less severe and flare-ups tend to occur less frequently than genital herpes caused by HSV-2, but both are lifelong infections. Best advice: Avoid kissing and oral sex whenever you have a cold sore.

You Probably Have the Virus that Causes Cold Sores

As many as 90 percent of people have antibodies to HSV-1 by the time they become adults, meaning they were exposed to the virus at some point in their lives, usually during childhood. They may have been exposed to the virus through close contact with a child who had it or by handling an object that contained the virus, like a toy that had been in the mouth of another child. In many people, the virus remains dormant, never producing any symptoms. About half of those who’ve been exposed to HSV-1 go on to experience actual outbreaks. ** Our office offers Oral DNA testing and oral HPV virus testing.

Eating Chicken and Fish May Help Prevent Cold Sores

Chicken and fish are rich in the amino acid lysine, which has been shown to help reduce outbreaks in some people. Other foods that contain lysine include eggs, potatoes and yogurt. Taking supplements of lysine may also help. In one study, doctors at Indiana University found that 88 percent of study participants said lysine supplements were an effective treatment for their herpes infections, with many noting less frequent recurrences and decreased severity of symptoms. Consult your doctor about whether lysine supplementation is right for you.

Dr Nylaan's Waterlase dental laser

You May Be Able to Shorten a Cold Sore Outbreak

You can clear up a cold sore more quickly and help it hurt less by beginning an antiviral medication like valacyclovir (Valtrex) or famciclovir (Famvir) at the first sign of symptoms. Studies show this strategy can make symptoms less severe, shorten the healing time of a cold sore by about two days and, in some cases, even prevent a cold sore from forming. If you know that your cold sores are triggered by a certain factor, such as stress or menstruation, you may be able to take medication a day or two beforehand. Consult your doctor for the best treatment strategy for you. ** Our dental office can reduce your cold sore with our Waterlase soft tissue laser.

Try Yoga for Cold Sores

Since stress can be a trigger, try yoga or regular aerobic exercise, deep breathing, guided imagery, meditation and other stress-reducing techniques. This may help minimize the frequency and duration of outbreaks.

An Ice Cube May Relieve Cold Sore Pain

Lidocaine, camphor, menthol and other ingredients found in many nonprescription products do not make cold sores less likely to flare up, but they can soothe the symptoms. So can a simple ice cube. Since different people respond to different ingredients, try a few products to see what works best for you. During flare-ups, avoid foods that are hot, spicy or high in acid, such as orange juice. These may aggravate cold sore symptoms.