Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about cold sores:
- What is a cold sore?
Cold sores are commonly caused by an exposure to the Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1). Cold sores are small groups of fluid-filled blisters on the lips or around the mouth.
- What are other common names for cold sores?
Other common names for cold sores are fever blisters, herpes simplex labialis, and herpes.
- What is the cold sore virus name?
The virus that causes cold sores is called Herpes Simplex Type 1 (HSV-1).
- How does a cold sore start?
At onset, a person may feel a tingling sensation or stinging pain before small groups of fluid-filled blisters form.
- Can hydrogen peroxide be used to treat cold sores?
Hydrogen Peroxide is a topical antiseptic that according to the CDC, has bactericidal and virucidal activity. There are some conflicting information regarding the use of hydrogen peroxide to treat cold sores. Some sources claim that using diluted hydrogen peroxide can help treat cold sores and shorten the cold sore duration. Other sources warn that hydrogen peroxide may also damage healthy cells in the process of treating the cold sore.
- Can Neosporin be used to treat cold sores?
Neosporin is a topical antibiotic ointment. A topical antibiotic ointment like Neosporin will help prevent secondary infections around the cold sore but will not kill the Herpes Simplex Type 1 (HSV-1) virus.
Check out of some products that can treat cold sores, help reduce the duration of the outbreak, and make you feel better during the outbreak.
References
- WebMD – Understanding Cold Sores Basics
- Mayo Clinic – Cold Sore Symptoms and causes
- Johns Hopkins Medicine – Cold Sores
- CDC – STD Facts – Genital Herpes
- CDC – Chemical Disinfectants – Guidelines for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities (2008)
- CDC – Glossary – Guidelines for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities (2008)
- Wikipedia – Herpes simplex