If you’ve ever had a fever blister, you know just how pesky they can be. They can develop right on or around your lips, causing an itchy and uncomfortable feeling. What’s worse? They can be around for more than a week before they fully disappear. Thankfully, your team at Greenfield Family Dentistry in Rochester, MN, offers the Biolase Epic Hygiene™ diode laser to help you get rid of this annoying spot and prevent it from reappearing in the same area later. In today’s blog, we’re here to talk about where cold sores come from, and what you can do to treat them.
The Difference Between Canker And Cold Sores
Canker sores are lesions that can develop on the inside or outside of your mouth. These can be caused by things like your diet, injuries, or allergies. They often go away within a few weeks and are not contagious to others. Fever blisters on the other hand are highly contagious and may be triggered by health changes.
Fever Blisters Are Caused By The HSV-1 Virus
Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus, which spreads through close contact like sharing utensils or kissing. Some people may carry the virus and never show symptoms. However, some patients may get fever blisters when they have a cold or flu, stress, or other changes in their health because the virus is in their system. You may be able to tell that a spot is coming in because you may feel a tingling or burning sensation on or around your lip. To prevent the spread of the virus, be sure to not share items like straws, utensils, or ChapStick with others, especially if a cold sore is present.
How To Treat A Fever Blister
There are a few at home remedies that may help alleviate the itchy and irritating feeling of a blister. Some over-the-counter creams or balms can help stop the itchy feeling around the spot, and pain reducers can help relieve your cold symptoms that may onset at the same time. Laser treatment can also be used to help target the area. The light beam is specially calibrated to target the area and help regenerate tissue. If you feel a spot forming around your lip, schedule an appointment with our team to have the spot treated promptly. One helpful advantage of this method is that it may also be able to help prevent a lesion from forming in the same area again.
Feel A Fever Blister Coming In? Call Our Team
Cold sores can be irritating, itchy, and painful. If you feel one developing, or one has popped up, call the team at Greenfield Dentistry in Rochester, MN, today at (507) 281-3659 to schedule a laser treatment.
