BLOG: Cold Sores Treated in One Visit with Laser

Herpes Labialis, cold sores and fever blisters are all groups of small blisters on the lip and around the mouth.

Around these vesicles, the skin remains red, swollen and sore. These blisters are caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus. This virus can be in your body if you have been exposed to the virus transferred from an infected person (sexually transmitted disease or any body fluid) or you can have it in your body since childhood if you were afflicted with chicken pox.

Some people are prone to more outbreaks than others, and there are a few factors involved.

When these blisters break open, it leaks clear fluid and scabs over after a few days. If that fluid is transferred to another person by exchange of saliva, utensil or razor sharing, cold sore, STD, it can spread to the other person. If left alone, it usually heals in several days to three weeks. Not only it causes pain, it might make you feel embarrassed, too.

Now, up to a few years ago, there was no treatment for cold sores. Patients had to tolerate dealing with this uncomfortable and painful condition for two weeks. The condition would even last longer and  be more painful if the individual was low on antioxidants and exposed to sun due to his/her job.

Even now most people are unaware of the treatment available. Why? Well, because it is your dentist who can help you, not the medical doctor. And even then, not every dentist, but those who are specially certified in use of laser in dentistry and have the laser machine in their office. 

With use of laser in dentistry, we now can treat cold sores, and prevent outbreaks if caught early. It can be treated beyond just the usual skin creams, ointments, or sometimes pills. The newest treatment by laser-certified dentists, which is still unknown to most physicians, is to use "Diode " lasers.

We employ a Diode laser to treat cold sores and remove them within 24 hours. If caught early enough, an outbreak will never occur. We also will discuss dietary consumptions that may contribute to these outbreaks. And we will advise on how to minimize future recurrences of cold sores and avoid spreading it to your loved ones.

The next time you feel a cold sore coming remember to things.

1. There is something you can do about it.
2. Seek treatment ASAP and catch it before it has an outbreak.