Treating & Preventing Cold Sores
The Basics
Your Cold Isn't to Blame
Why Doesn't Everyone Get Them?
What Are Your Triggers?
Canker Sores Aren't the Same
When Are You Contagious?
How Does the Virus Spread?
Can You Stop the Spread?
How to Ease Your Pain
Antiviral Creams Can Help
Prescription Meds Are Available
How Do You Know It's a Cold Sore?
Can It Spread to Your Body?
Where Else Might It Strike?
How Do You Prevent Outbreaks?
When Should You See a Doctor?
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SOURCES:
American Academy of Dermatology: "Viral Infections: Herpes Simplex."
University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences: "Ocular Herpes Simplex."
Cernik, C. Archives of Internal Medicine, June 9, 2008.
American Dental Association: "Canker Sores and Cold Sores."
Kriesel, J. Human Genome Variation, published online Nov. 20, 2014.
National Eye Institute: "Facts About the Cornea and Corneal Disease."
Xu, F. JAMA, 2006.
Corey, L. New England Journal of Medicine, 1986.
Pope. L.E. Antiviral Research, 1998.
Spruance, S.L. New England Journal of Medicine, 1977.
UpToDate: Treatment of herpes simplex virus type 1 infection in immunocompetent patients.”
Merriam Webster: “Mucous Membrane.”
Mayo Clinic: “Cold Sore: Symptoms.”