Johanna's lip had been feeling itchy all day - itchy and a
little tingly, like someone was tickling it lightly. When she woke
up the next morning and her lip still felt strange, she looked in
the mirror and yelled "What's on my mouth?" Her mom
took a look and said, "Oh, you have a cold sore."
What's that? Johanna wondered.
What Is a Cold Sore?
A cold sore is a small blister that is reddish or purple. They
are usually on the outer edge of the lip, on just one side. Cold
sores can appear one at a time or in little bunches, and they are
sometimes filled with fluid. They usually crust over and form a
scab before they go away. They last a week or 2 and usually
don't require any special treatment.
Although they're called cold sores, you don't need to
have a cold to get one. Some people call them fever blisters, but
you don't have to have a fever to have one, either. (Cold sores
aren't
the same as canker sores, which are small white sores that are
always found inside the mouth.)
What Causes Cold Sores?
Cold sores are caused by a virus called
herpes
(say:
hur
-peez). Herpes is one of the most common viral infections in the
world. The medical name for the specific virus that causes cold
sores is herpes simplex.
There are two types of herpes simplex infection: herpes simplex
virus one (called
HSV-1
for short) and herpes simplex virus two (called
HSV-2
for short). Although both can cause cold sores around a
person's mouth, most are caused by HSV-1.
HSV-1 is so common that most Americans get infected with it,
although many never have any symptoms. People can catch HSV-1 by
kissing a person with a cold sore or sharing a drinking glass or
utensils, so it's easy to see why there are so many cold sores
around.
Kids who get infected with HSV-1 may get cold sores occasionally
for the rest of their lives. That's because even after the
sores themselves dry up and go away, the virus stays in the body,
waiting around for another time to come out and cause more sores.
When a cold sore reappears, it is often in the same place as the
previous one.
How Can I Keep From Getting Cold Sores?
Although HSV-1 isn't a big deal, it's a good idea to try
to keep cold sores as far away as possible. If someone you know has
a cold sore, don't kiss him or her and don't drink out of
the same glass or use the same knife, fork, or spoon. Sharing
towels, washcloths, or napkins is off-limits, too, because the
virus may survive on the fabric.
If you've had cold sores before, it can be hard to tell what
might make them come back. For some kids, too much
stress
, too much time in the
sun
, or getting sick can cause cold sores to reappear.
Eating well
, getting enough
rest
, and learning how to deal with stress are important things for any
kid to do, especially a kid who is likely to get cold sores.
Putting on sunblock lip balm and sunscreen on the face before going
out in the sun may help prevent cold sores from reappearing in kids
who tend to get them.
Treating Cold Sores
For most kids, the sores go away on their own without any
special treatment from a
doctor
. If you get a cold sore, try holding some ice wrapped in cloth on
the sore. It also might help to eat a popsicle.
Sometimes, if the cold sores are making a kid sick, a doctor may
prescribe a special
medicine
that fights the herpes simplex virus. Some kids may take
acetaminophen or ibuprofen
if their sores are painful.
While you're waiting for the cold sore to go away, wash your
hands regularly and don't pick at it. You'll only get in
the way of your body's natural healing process. Picking at a
cold sore is also bad news because it's easy to spread the
virus to other parts or your body, like your fingers or eyes. Worse
yet, you might spread the virus to other people. No one will thank
you for giving them a cold sore!
Reviewed by:
Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, MD
Date reviewed: October 2007
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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