What Causes Cold Sores
There are 2 types of herpes simplex virus. Cold sores are usually caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 . Herpes simplex virus type 2 causes most cases of genital herpes. However, both viruses can cause either cold sores or genital herpes.
About 80 per cent of adults are infected with HSV-1. Most people are infected when they are young and the infection lasts for life. However, the virus can remain dormant in many people, meaning that cold sores may never appear.
Various factors can cause the virus to become active resulting in one or more cold sores. They can include:
- tiredness and fatigue
- colds, flu or fevers that make the body less able to fight off infection
First Of All Yes: Cold Sores Are Herpes
Cold sore is just a more pleasant term for oral herpes, or infection with the herpes simplex virus. The herpes simplex virus is categorized into two types: herpes simplex virus type 1 and herpes simplex virus type 2 . Both types of herpes are very common, highly contagious, and incurable but they are treatable.
Cold sores are most often caused by HSV-1, and we used to think they were only caused by HSV-1, but we now know that HSV-2 can also cause sores on the mouth or you can have both types or herpes its just less common,Dr. Michele S. Green, an NYC-based dermatologist, tells BuzzFeed Health. HSV-1 is usually transmitted through mouth secretions or sores . HSV-2, on the other hand, is almost exclusively spread by skin-to-skin or sexual contact, causing genital herpes.
Before Using Topical Acyclovir
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to acyclovir, valacyclovir , any other medications, or any of the ingredients in acyclovir cream or ointment. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any condition that affects your immune system such as human immunodeficiency virus or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome .
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using acyclovir, call your doctor.
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Transmission And Prevention Of Herpes Simplex Labialis
When pharmacists counsel patients with HSV-1 infection, it is helpful to explain how the infection was contracted. An explanation of the transmission process can help patients and their families avoid further spread. Patients must understand that HSV-1 is highly contagious. The greatest point of risk is when blisters appear, as blister exudate contains millions of viral particles. But there is a risk of transferring the virus to others during other stages, and those affected must take great care to guard others from the prodromal stage until full healing is clearly achieved.
Patients with an outbreak must avoid touching the lesions, since virus on the hands can transfer to towels, dishes, or any other item shared with others. They must ensure that others do not drink from a glass they have used. They must completely avoid kissing and oral/genital sexual activity, and they must always ensure that anything that touches their lips is disinfected or immediately discarded, including eating utensils. Sharing lip balms is absolutely prohibited. Parents can transfer the virus to their children during routine child care, as the virus may be on the hands.
Symptoms Of Oral Herpes
Oral herpes is most often caused by HSV-1, but can also be caused by HSV-2. It usually affects the lips and, in some primary attacks, the mucous membranes in the mouth. A herpes infection may occur on the cheeks or in the nose, but facial herpes is very uncommon.
Primary Oral Herpes Infection
If the primary oral infection causes symptoms, they can be very painful, particularly in children. Symptoms include:
- Tingling, burning, or itching around the mouth are the first signs.
- Red, fluid-filled blisters that may form on the lips, gums, mouth, and throat.
- Blisters that break open and leak. As they heal, they turn yellow and crusty, eventually turning into pink skin. The sores last 10 to 14 days and can be very uncomfortable.
- Blisters that may be preceded or accompanied by sore throat, fever, swollen glands, and painful swallowing.
Recurrent Oral Herpes Infection
A recurrent oral herpes infection is much milder than the primary outbreak. It usually manifests as a single sore, commonly called a cold sore or fever blister . The sore usually shows up on the outer edge of the lips and rarely affects the gums or throat.
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Key Benefit: May Help To Clear Cold Sore Scabs More Quickly
How Neosporin works:
The active ingredients in Neosporin ointments are primarily antibiotics.
Hate that ugly cold sore scab? Agghh so do we! Well although Neosporin ointment is usually recommended for healing minor cuts and infections, we found it can sometimes help get the scab stage annoying moving a little quicker if applied toward the end of an outbreak.
Directions:
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What Are The Side Effects Of Acyclovir Ointment
Topical acyclovir ointment is usually well tolerated. When you use a topical ointment to treat herpes labialis, you may experience adverse effects, including burning, itching, and tingling where you apply the treatment or dry, flaky skin in that area . These side effects typically go away quickly.
In rare instances, some people may experience an allergic reaction to acyclovir. Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever experienced an allergic reaction when using other antiviral medications . Signs of an allergic reaction include sudden swelling in the lips, face, or mouth, hives, itching, and difficulty breathing. If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek medical attention immediately.
Topical acyclovir ointment is for external use only . Keep this product out of reach of children and only use this product according to the medical advice youve received from a healthcare professional.
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Why Is This Medication Prescribed
Acyclovir cream is used to treat cold sores on the face or lips. Acyclovir ointment is used to treat first outbreaks of genital herpes and to treat certain types of sores caused by the herpes simplex virus in people with weak immune systems. Acyclovir is in a class of antiviral medications called synthetic nucleoside analogues. It works by stopping the spread of the herpes virus in the body. Acyclovir does not cure cold sores or genital herpes, does not prevent outbreaks of these conditions, and does not stop the spread of these conditions to other people.
How Should This Medicine Be Used
Topical acyclovir comes as a cream and an ointment to apply to the skin. Acyclovir cream is usually applied five times a day for 4 days. Acyclovir cream may be applied at any time during a cold sore outbreak, but it works best when it is applied at the very beginning of a cold sore outbreak, when there is tingling, redness, itching, or a bump but the cold sore has not yet formed. Acyclovir ointment is usually applied six times a day for 7 days. It is best to begin using acyclovir ointment as soon as possible after you experience the first symptoms of infection. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use topical acyclovir exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Your symptoms should improve during your treatment with topical acyclovir. If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.
Acyclovir cream and ointment are for use only on the skin. Do not let acyclovir cream or ointment get into your eyes, or inside your mouth or nose, and do not swallow the medication.
Acyclovir cream should only be applied to skin where a cold sore has formed or seems likely to form. Do not apply acyclovir cream to any unaffected skin, or to genital herpes sores.
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What Is Acyclovir Ointment
Acyclovir ointment is an antiviral medicine that works by stopping the herpes simplex virus from multiplying in your cells. And while this antiviral treatment can reduce the symptoms of outbreaks and shorten how long they last, theres no permanent cure for herpes .
Herpes viruses lay dormant inside your body and can wake up and cause an outbreak. While the triggers can be different for everyone and might sometimes be hard to identify, some things can increase your chances of experiencing a cold sore .
How To Help Stop Hsv Spreading
Remember, the cold sore virus can be spread even when a person isn’t showing symptoms. To avoid spreading the virus:xii
- Dont touch the infected area, apart from when applying cream.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after touching the area.
- Be extra careful around children, babies, pregnant women, elderly people and those who may have low immunity, as HSV can cause complications.
- Dont share items that may have come into contact with the affected area, such as toothbrushes, cutlery, cups, glasses, cold sore cream, lipsticks or lip balm.
- If you have cold sore symptoms, avoid kissing and oral sex until any cold sores have completely healed.
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When To See A Doctor
People who experience persistent or recurrent cold sores should consider seeing a doctor for treatment, especially if over-the-counter options do not provide effective relief. A doctor may be able to identify cold sore triggers and provide stronger treatments.
If a person has a weakened immune system or other underlying health issues, they should visit their doctor before trying OTC treatments. Such treatments may prove less effective than prescription medications, and the longer a person waits for effective treatment, the greater the likelihood of the cold sore worsening.
Below are some answers to frequently asked questions about cold sores:
Early Stage Cold Sore Treatments
Though it is not always possible to avoid cold sores, people should aim to begin cold sore treatment as soon as symptoms develop. Treating a cold sore in its earliest stage can result in a smaller sore that heals quickly. In some cases, it may stop the cold sore from developing at all.
Below are some methods to help prevent a cold sore or minimize the outbreak.
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How Does Herpes Simplex Spread
Herpes spreads through close contact with a person who has the infection. The virus can be found in skin and saliva. If you have herpes simplex, you are most likely to pass the virus to another person when you have sores. But you can infect someone else even if you have no symptoms. Healthcare providers call this asymptomatic viral shedding.
People may get HSV-1 through
- Touching a persons skin near the mouth.
- Sharing food utensils, lip balm or razors.
- If you receive oral sex from someone who has a cold sore, it may spread a herpes infection to your genitals.
People may get HSV-2 through
- Oral sex with someone whos infected.
- Touching open sores, including while breastfeeding.
- Childbirth by a mother or gestational parent who has an active infection.
You cant get genital herpes from objects like toilet seats. But you could pass genital herpes through shared sex toys.
What Can Potentially Trigger Outbreaks
When people do experience outbreaks in the form of blisters on either the face or genitals, it’s most often after a trauma or when the immune system is compromised, Zeichner says: “It lives within the nerve and it forms a new active skin infection when the immune system is run down or after having a cold, the flu, or after a sunburn.” So, if you do know your HSV status and it’s positive , it’s important to do what you can to keep your immune system running at 100.
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Treatment For Genital Herpes
There are three antiviral medications that are FDA-approved for the treatment of genital herpes:
- Acyclovir: The oldest antiviral medication for herpes is acyclovir. It has been available since 1982 in a topical form and sold since 1985 in pill form. Acyclovir has been shown to be safe in persons who have used it continuously for as long as 10 years.
- Valacyclovir: A newer drug, valacyclovir, actually uses acyclovir as its active ingredient. This medication delivers acyclovir more efficiently so that the body absorbs much of the drug, which has the advantage of taking the medication fewer times during the day.
- Famciclovir: Famciclovir uses penciclovir as its active ingredient to stop HSV from replicating. Like valacyclovir, it is well absorbed, persists for a longer time in the body, and can be taken less frequently than acyclovir.
Antiviral medication is commonly prescribed for patients having a first episode of genital herpes, but they can be used for recurrent episodes as well. There are two kinds of treatment regimens: episodic therapy and suppressive therapy.
Best Can You Use Abreva On Genital Herpes: Top 10 Guide
With a wide range of can you use abreva on genital herpes out there, many of them have advantages and disadvantages, and the options can feel overwhelming. After spending hours looking over the best quality and affordable can you use abreva on genital herpes on the market, we selected some best models to analyze alongside each other. Using each, we explore how they do comparatively across some analysis factors to find out the top 10 can you use abreva on genital herpes. The following factors were considered in the analysis:
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Treatment For Oral Herpes
The antiviral medications available in pill form have been specifically developed for the treatment of genital herpes. However, it is not uncommon for healthcare providers to prescribe the antiviral drugs to those who have frequent or severe outbreaks of oral herpes.
A recent study found valacyclovir to be effective for treating oral herpes in a one-day treatment of 2 grams taken at the first sign of a cold sore, and then again about 12 hours later.
There are two topical antiviral medications prescribed for the treatment of oral HSV symptoms: acyclovir ointment and penciclovir cream. Both work to speed up the healing process and reduce the viral activity. These topical drugs are put directly on the lesions themselves, but can also be used at the onset of prodrome.
Other topical treatments for oral herpes are available over-the-counter , but are not antiviral compounds like acyclovir and penciclovir. Some also contain ingredients that numb the area and induce temporary relief from the discomfort of an outbreak. Unfortunately, some OTC treatments may actually delay the healing time of symptoms because they can further irritate the area with repeated applications. There is only one OTC FDA-approved cream, called Abreva®, which has been clinically proven to help speed the healing process.
How Much Does It Cost To Get Can You Use Abreva On Genital Herpes
The cost of can you use abreva on genital herpes is one of the most important aspects to consider before purchasing. The price can range widely depending on factors such as the kind and quality of the material used in its construction and the dimensions and longevity of the item. It is possible that the price will be higher if you search for something that will last for a very long time as opposed to something that will only last for a few months or years.
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Can I Use Abreva Cream Longer Than 10 Days
No. It is not recommended for use Abreva cream longer than 10 days. Also, it could be the sign of a more serious infection.
You should contact your doctor if your cold sore has not healed within 10 days while using Abreva cream. Getting the doctor to look at it will ensure that you receive an updated diagnosis and possibly additional treatment.
Cold sores are caused by a viral infection.
VIDEO FAQS
To Use Acyclovir Ointment Follow These Steps:
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient. Read this information before you start using acyclovir and each time you refill your prescription.
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What Is Hsv Next Steps
It may be an incurable condition, but understanding what HSV-1 and HSV-2 are, their causes, how contagious they are, potential complications and how to treat them, can help you keep the condition under control and avoid spreading it to others.
Learn more about preventing cold sores and keeping your lips in great condition with our top lip care tips.
Use Abreva® Cream to treat cold sores caused by HSV-1, and find out how Abreva® Cream works.
i. Herpes Simplex Virus. World Health Organization. . Accessed 06/25/19. Referenced text is highlighted in source PDF.
ii. Does Everyone Have Herpes? And 12 Other FAQs About HSV-1 and HSV-2. Healthline. . Accessed 11/11/19. Referenced text is highlighted in source PDF.
iii. Herpes Simplex Virus: HSV-1 & HSV-2. WebMD. . Accessed 11/08/19. Referenced text is highlighted in source PDF.
iv. What’s to Know About Herpetic Whitlow?. Medical News Today. . Accessed 11/08/19. Referenced text is highlighted in source PDF.
v. Cold Sores in Children: About the Herpes Simplex Virus. Healthy Children.org. . Accessed 11/08/19. Referenced text is highlighted in source PDF.
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