Cold Sore Treatment
Cold sores can be painful and embarrassing. Get relief with advanced laser cold sore treatment at DeFuniak Springs Family Dental.
Treatment for Cold Sores in DeFuniak Springs, FL
At DeFuniak Springs Dental, we understand how uncomfortable and inconvenient cold sores can be. That’s why we’re proud to offer an innovative solution: laser cold sore treatment. This advanced technology provides quick, effective relief, significantly reducing healing time and symptoms. With our expert care, you can say goodbye to the discomfort of cold sores and enjoy faster recovery without requiring invasive procedures. Discover how our laser cold sore treatment can help you feel your best again.
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What are cold sores?
Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are small, painful blisters filled with fluid that usually appear on the lips, mouth, or nose area. They’re caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and can be triggered by factors like stress, sunlight, or a weakened immune system. Cold sores are contagious but common, affecting a large portion of the population.
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How are cold sores treated?
Traditionally, cold sores have been treated with topical creams, antiviral medications, and home remedies to alleviate symptoms and speed up healing. However, our laser cold sore treatment offers a more advanced approach. Using precise laser energy, we target and treat the affected area, providing immediate pain relief and reducing the duration of the outbreak. This non-invasive treatment can also decrease the likelihood of future outbreaks, offering a long-term solution to recurrent cold sores.
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What causes cold sores?
Cold sores are primarily caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), although they can also be caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), which is more commonly associated with herpes. The virus is highly contagious and can be spread through direct contact with an infected person’s skin or saliva. Once infected, the virus remains in the body for life, lying dormant in nerve cells until triggered by factors such as stress, illness, hormonal changes, or sun exposure.
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Canker sore vs. cold sore — What's the difference?
Canker sores and cold sores are different in several key ways:
- Canker Sores: Non-contagious ulcers inside the mouth, caused by factors like stress or diet. They appear as white or yellow ovals with red edges and heal on their own within a week or two.
- Cold Sores: Contagious blisters caused by the herpes simplex virus, typically found on the lips or face. They begin with a tingling sensation and develop into fluid-filled blisters that crust over. Treatments include antiviral medications.
Canker sores are internal and not caused by a virus, while cold sores are external and viral.
More Questions?
If you have more questions about cold sore treatment or would like to schedule an appointment, contact our office, and we will be happy to discuss further.