Cold sores and ulcers are extremely common amongst both children and adults. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 and can be passed from person to person and found on the exterior of the mouth or around the lips. Treatment for these conditions is usually a cream or a gel that targets the area and soothes any pain and discomfort caused.
Treatment ranges from blister patches and creams that are designed to be placed over a cold sore to soothe and protect it or a soothing gel to be applied to the ulcer.
How can you tell if you have a cold sore?
Cold sores start off as painful blisters that can appear anywhere on the face. They fill with fluid before bursting and forming a scab. You may also experience an itching or burning feeling 48 hours before your blisters appear.
Cold sores are generally easy to spot, but if you’re unsure your GP will be able to confirm whether you have a cold sore. Occasionally, they may take a sample from a blister for lab testing to confirm you have a cold sore.
What causes cold sores?
Cold sores are caused by a virus called herpes simplex. Once you have the virus, it stays in your skin for the rest of your life and sometimes causes cold sores. The virus is contagious and most people are exposed to them when they are young following close contact with someone else who has a cold sore. Cold sores can be prompted by a variety of things including exposure to hot or cold weather or a weakened immune system, including as a result of a cold or other illness.
What to do if you have a cold sore?
Cold sores are very contagious and can easily spread - both to other people and to other parts of your body - so avoid skin-to-skin contact (such as kissing) and maintain a high level of hygiene. Additionally:
- Drink plenty of water and fluids
- Use sunblock lip balm (SPF 15 or above) if you're outside in the sun
- Avoid touching your cold sore as much as possible
- Wash your hands with warm soapy water regularly and every time you touch your cold sore
- If you’re using a cream, dab this onto your cold sore when applying - do not rub
See a GP if you’re worried, have a weakened immune system or your cold sore has not started to heal within 10 days .
What cold sore treatments are available?
Cold sores are common and usually clear up on their own within 10 days. To help relieve discomfort and aid healing, there are a variety of cold sore treatments available including creams, gels, ointments and cold sore patches.
Cold sore creams:
At Weldricks we offer a range of creams to help treat and revive cold sores. Some popular cold sore creams are:
- Zovirax Cream delivers the active ingredient aciclovir efficiently and deeply into your skin to fight the virus that causes cold sores.
- Cymex Cream has a triple action formula that soothes burning sensations, stops lips for drying and controls infection.
- Aciclovir 5% w/w Cold Sore Cream contains the active ingredient Aciclovir which is an antiviral agent that is effective in treating infections caused by the herpes simplex virus, such as cold sores.
Speak to one of our pharmacists if you need some advice.