COLD SORES/CANKER SORES/FEVER BLISTERS

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Definition: Cold sores are small painful sores that appear inside the mouth or on the upper lip.  These can be caused by an infection of the herpes simplex virus or stress. They may last 4-10 days but are self-limited. Antibiotics are not effective. Flare-ups may be triggered by sun on the lips, a cold, fever, food, allergy, mouth injury, anxiety or stress.

SELF-TREATMENT

1. Abrevia ointment available over the counter
2. Decrease stress
3. Avoid hot or spicy foods
4. Vitamin C may make a cold sore heal faster
5. Lysine tablets, available at drug stores or health food stores
6. Non-prescription ointments such as Oragel
7. Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids. Use Popsicles to replace fluids and numb ulcers.
8. Use a lip balm with sun screen to protect lips from sun
9. Rinse mouth with water containing baking soda
10. Take Tylenol, Advil or Ibuprofen for pain

HEALTH SERVICE VISIT RECOMMENDED IF

1. Within first 24 hours, for prescription anti-viral such as Valtrex
2. Sore that lasts 2 or more weeks should be examined by a dentist or doctor, especially if it is not painful.
3. White, painless sore that develops 1-13 weeks after oral sex
4. You have many sores
5. Become dehydrated from not being able to drink or eat
6. Pain cannot be controlled with self-treatment
7. You develop a fever
8. Infection develops on the lip
9. You suffer from immune system deficiencies (such as AIDS)
10. Recurrent cold sores