WHAT ARE FEVER BLISTERS (COLD SORES)?

These are common names for fluid filled blisters that commonly occur on the lips. They also can occur in the mouth, particularly on the gums and roof of the mouth (hard palate), but this is rare. Fever blisters are usually painful; in fact, the pain may precede the appearance of the lesion by a few days. The blisters rupture within hours, then crust over. They last about 7-10 days.

CAUSES

Fever blisters result from a herpes simplex virus that becomes active. This virus is latent (dormant) in afflicted people, but can be activated by conditions such as stress, fever, trauma, hormonal changes, and exposure to sunlight. When lesions reappear, they tend to form in the same location.

CAN FEVER BLISTERS BE SPREAD?

Yes, the time from blister rupture until the sore is completely healed is the time of greatest risk for spread of infection. The virus can spread to your own eyes and genitalia, as well as to other people.

PREVENTION TIPS:

· avoid mucous membrane contact when a lesion is present· do not squeeze, pinch or pick at the blister· wash hands carefully before touching your eyes or genital area, or another person. Despite all caution, it is important to remember that it is possible to transmit herpes virus even when no blisters are present.

TREATMENT

Treatment consists of coating the lesions with a protective barrier ointment containing an antiviral agent, for example 5% acyclovir ointment. Presently, there is no cure, but there is much research activity underway in this field.

WHAT ARE CANKER SORES?

Canker sores (also called aphthous ulcers) are small, shallow ulcers occurring on the tongue, soft palate, or inside the lips and cheeks. They are quite painful, and usually last 5-10 days.

CAUSE

The best available evidence suggests that canker sores result from an altered local immune response associated with stress, trauma, or local irritants, such as eating acidic foods (i.e., tomatos, citrus fruits and some nuts.)

CAN CANKER SORES BE SPREAD?

No, since they are not caused by bacteria or viral agents, they cannot be spread locally or to anyone else.

 TREATMENT

The treatment is directed toward relieving discomfort and guarding against infection. A topical corticosteroid preparation such as triamcinolone dental paste (Kenalog in Orabase 0.1%®) is helpful. Unfortunately, no cure exists at present.

WHAT ABOUT OTHER SORES?

For any mouth lesion that does not heal in two weeks, you should see your physician or dentist.

 

  • Office Location
  • Chelsea Ear, Nose, & Throat
  • 160 West 18th Street
  • New York, NY 10011
  • Voice: (212) 366-0848
  • Fax: (212) 366-0847
  • Office Hours
  • Monday 10 - 6:00pm
  • Tuesday 9 - 5:30pm
  • Wednesday 9 - 5:30pm
  • Thursday 9 - 5:30pm
  • Friday 9 - 5:30pm