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A- Z Health Guides
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Cold Sore
Fever blisters, or cold sores, are sores on the lips, gums or roof of the mouth. They are caused by herpes simplex virus. This is usually not the same type of herpes that causes sores in the genital area. However, mouth infection may occur in sexually active persons who have oral sex with a partner who has genital herpes. The sores are small, painful blisters that appear, fill with fluid, then dry up and disappear. The blisters may be accompanied by fever, swollen neck glands, and general aches. They are more likely to occur in children who have eczema, in people who are stressed, after a cold or fever, after being in the sun for a long time, during a menstrual period or after an injury to the mouth. Blisters usually heal within a week. Repeat episodes are very common. This infection is contagious.
Instructions for care
- Be careful not to touch your eye after you touch your mouth. This will help to avoid spreading the infection. Wash your hands often.
- Apply an ice cube or ice pack to your lip for 30 minutes or suck on frozen juice bars to decrease pain.
- Protect your mouth from the sun by using a sun screen when you go outdoors.
- Avoid close contact with other people, especially kissing or oral sex, until the blisters heal.
- You do not need to change your diet. Hot or cold foods may hurt your mouth, and you may want to use a straw. Eating a well-balanced diet will help healing.
Call your doctor if:
- Your eye feels irritated, or you feel like you have something in your eye.
- You develop a fever, feel achey, or see pus instead of clear fluid in the sores. These are signs of a bacterial infection.
- You develop new, unexplained symptoms.
This information is provided only as an informational resource for consumers. For advice regarding a specific medical condition, please consult your personal physician.
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