Cold sores/Fever blisters

Cold sores or fever blisters are caused by the Herpes Simplex virus.  Sunlight can be a trigger for some people, resulting in more outbreaks as the weather warms up.  Applying sunscreen in face lotion and lip balm, wearing a wide brimmed hat, and avoiding sun exposure between 10am and 2pm can help prevent sunburns which can activate the herpes virus.    

Other triggers include being stressed, getting sick, having a fever, or having surgery (including chemical peels, dermabrasion, laser treatments to the face).

If you do notice tingling or burning in an area where you are prone to cold sores, immediate treatment can help prevent the area from blistering.  Treatments include over the counter creams, prescription creams and pills and a relatively new treatment with a tablet that is place between the upper lip and gum near the site of the outbreak.  While the buccal tablet contains the same medication that is found in other creams and pills, applying it locally increases the amount of medicine that reaches the inflamed nerves.  Studies have shown that this tablet can prevent the fever blister from blistering and it increases the length of time between outbreaks.

The providers at Cary Dermatology can discuss treatment options with you and give you a prescription to have on hand for use as soon as you notice a fever blister is coming.  Don't let a cold sore ruin your spring and summer events.

Cary Dermatology Center and Cary Aesthetic Center

Address

101 SW Cary Parkway Suite 210,
Cary, NC 27511

Contact Us

We encourage you to contact us whenever you have an interest or concerns.

Address
101 SW Cary Parkway Suite 210,
Cary, NC 27511

Please call (919) 467-8556

You can now also text our office at (919) 467-8556.

Monday  

7:00 am - 5:00 pm

Tuesday  

7:00 am - 5:00 pm

Wednesday  

7:00 am - 5:00 pm

Thursday  

7:00 am - 5:00 pm

Friday  

7:00 am - 5:00 pm

Saturday  

Closed

Sunday  

Closed