Oral Herpes & Cold Sores: Prevention and Treatments
Oral herpes is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. The virus causes painful sores on your lips, gums, tongue and the roof of your mouth and inside your cheeks. Cold sores are also caused by the herpes simplex virus and cause small fluid-filled blisters on or around the lips. If you are concerned that you may have oral herpes or cold sores and you can’t see your own GP, then make an appointment via our private doctor services in Warwick. PTMD also offers private doctor services in Henley-in-Arden.
How do you prevent oral herpes?
Oral herpes is transmitted through direct contact between the contagious area and broken skin so a cut or a split and mucous membrane tissue such as those in or around the mouth. Herpes can also be transmitted when there are no symptoms present which is why it is so easily transmissible.
How do you prevent cold sores?
The easiest way is to avoid coming into contact with an infected person with the most common cause of transmission being kissing. But, you should also avoid sharing eating utensils, cups and other items that the person has used.
If you already have the virus then you are probably going to develop more cold sores, but there are some steps you can take to minimise the outbreaks.
- Avoid things that trigger your cold sores, if you can, like stress or colds
- Always use lip balm and sunscreen on your face – too much sunlight can cause cold sores to flare up
- When you have a cold sore present, wash your hands frequently and try not to touch the cold sore as this may cause it to spread
The best cold sore treatment is management, plus topical treatments commonly referred to as antivirals from your pharmacist which can help clear up these unsightly blemishes quickly.
For cold sore and oral herpes treatments, consult PTMD’s professional pharmacy services. If you want to discuss your symptoms with a doctor then you can access our private doctor services in Warwick and our private doctor services in Henley-in-Arden with convenient appointments available both face to face and online. Find out more on www.pharmacytomydoor.co.uk
