Nurse, What's This Sore on My Lip?
Get The Nurse! - Jennifer Medvin, RN

A small spot on your lip begins to tingle or burn. You don’t see anything, but you know what is forming. A few days later your fears have become reality and there is no way to make it go away quickly. Yes, you have a cold sore.

The herpes simplex virus (HSV) is the root cause of cold sores as well as anal and genital herpes. There are two types of herpes simplex viruses: HSV Type-1 and HSV Type-2.

It was once thought that only HSV Type-1 was found on the mouth, but it is now known that both virus types can cause lip and mouth sores and genital herpes if your skin comes into contact with either form.

Doctors can diagnose which type of herpes you have by culturing the affected area. You have to do this when the blister is present.

Canker sores are ulcers that occur on the soft tissues inside of your mouth. Unlike cold sores, they are not contagious or related to the herpes virus.

How cold sores are spread
The herpes virus is usually spread through kissing someone with a cold sore or sharing items the infected person has used, such as utensils, straws or sex toys. Often, herpes invades the body through a break in the skin around or inside your mouth.

The greatest risk of infection is from the time the blisters appear until they have completely dried and crusted over. There is a possibility of spreading the virus even after the skin has healed.

Symptoms
Around 20 days after you have been exposed to the herpes virus, a breakout will occur. Single or multiple blisters that break and ooze will form on the mouth. Finally a yellow crust forms before it sloughs off revealing pink skin devoid of any scar. The usual duration of the blister is seven to ten days.

Treatment
Common cold sore treatments are over-the-counter creams, lip balms and gels. Although they do not guarantee a permanent cure, they can provide comfort and temporary relief.

For frequent outbreaks, your doctor may prescribe Acyclovir, Famvir or Valtrex. They may help shorten the length of the outbreak. If you feel tingling or burning on your mouth, you should begin the medication immediately.
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