Are You Sick?

Causes of Cold Sores

• Colds sores, also called fever blisters, are caused by the Herpes simplex virus. They are spread from person-to-person by close contact, such as touching or kissing.
• Many people get cold sores more than once.
• After the first outbreak, cold sores can return when your immune system is weak. Factors are stress, being over-tired, viruses/illness, sun and wind exposure or hormone changes (menstrual periods).
• The cold sore will get better in 7-10 days.

Treatment

• There is no cure for cold sores, but there are medicines that can help with outbreaks.
• Docosanol cream(brand name Abreva) helps decrease the pain and duration of cold sores. No prescription is needed.
• There are also prescription creams and pills which may help relieve symptoms and/or make the sores heal faster.