You’re looking in the bathroom mirror and you see a blemish on the corner of your mouth. It’s painful and unsightly and it’s not a pimple. You’re dealing with a cold sore, a physical symptom of having herpes simplex. While cold sores are not uncommon, they can be very difficult to deal with. This article will tell you about what causes cold sores and the proper way to take care of them.

Cold Sore Causes

Cold sores are easily passed around. If someone with herpes simplex gets their saliva on something that then put your mouth on, you could catch the virus and get a cold sore as a result. This can happen through sharing toothbrushes, eating utensils, or kissing. Even if the other person doesn’t have a visible cold sore, they can still pass the herpes virus. Avoid cold sores by not sharing things like eating utensils. Before getting involved romantically with anyone, be sure to discuss herpes and other sexually-transmitted diseases. While cold sores are not typically transmitted sexually, they can be passed from the mouth to the genitals through sexual activity.

Medication

There are medications you can purchase that will help get rid of cold sores. Whether you use a special cream or pill, you can greatly reduce the strength of your cold sore as well as its longevity. Look for products that come highly recommended. If your outbreaks are frequent enough, you should speak to your doctor about having something prescribed.

Laser Removal

The next time you’re at the dentist, you might ask if they have laser treatments available. Your dental clinic might have a special cold sore laser removal service. When applied properly, this treatment can have hugely positive effects. Not every dental office offers this service. So, you should be sure to check with yours.

Pre-Emptive Measures

Cold sores can come out of seemingly nowhere. However, if you pay close enough attention, you can sense them forming before they really become a problem. Should you see a cold sore developing, take action immediately. Apply medication as soon as possible and keep track of it over the next few days.

When you have a cold sore, it can be difficult to focus on anything else. Instead of letting your cold sore get your goat, you can become motivated to get rid of it. Look over these treatment methods and decide which one would be best for you.