Cold Sores

If your loved one has to worry about cold sores suddenly, you might be worried that something else is going on. The good news is that cold sores, while not very fun, aren’t extremely dangerous for your loved one. Here is some information that can help.

What are cold sores?

Cold sores are a really common virus that can flare up during or before a cold or fever. This is partly why they’re also referred to as fever blisters. Cold sores start as a blister, which then cracks and forms a crust.

Cold sores might be scarier for your elderly loved ones because they are likely to have a more compromised immune system, so the virus can take more of a toll on them.

Cause of Cold Sores

The actual sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus, HSV-1, and they can be extremely painful.

Are cold sores contagious?

Cold sores are extremely contagious, which is why so many people have them.

How long do cold sores last?

Cold sores can last anywhere from two to four weeks and can occur multiple times.

Cold Sores Symptoms

Before a cold sore appears, your loved one might mention that an area around their mouth itches or even tingles. This can happen a day or longer before the actual blister forms. Once the blister forms, it might swell a bit with fluid before finally breaking and then forming a crust.

Some other symptoms before cold sores break out include:

• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Sore throat

Cold Sores Treatment

Your loved one’s doctor may recommend an antiviral medication for your loved one. These can treat the cold sore itself, helping it to go away a little bit faster, or you can use it as a preventive measure.

This is particularly helpful if your loved one has a bad reaction to cold sores, such as having a high fever and severe pain, or if they tend to have them extremely often.

There are also topical over-the-counter treatments for cold sores.

Cold Sores Prevention

Again, antiviral medications may be effective for your loved one to prevent cold sores, but there are other ways to help prevent them, too.

If your loved one tends to get them only when they are sick, then it’s a good idea to build up their immune system with a healthy diet. Your loved one’s doctor may have other suggestions as well, so be sure to ask.

Also, your loved one’s elderly care providers are experienced with helping loved ones deal with embarrassing problems such as cold sores, so be sure to ask what else they’ve tried.

Contact Sonas for Home Health Care Services in Florida

If you or an aging loved one are considering home health care services in Florida, contact the caring staff at Sonas Home Health Care. Call today (888) 592-5855.

Jillian Miller BSN, RN

Director of Nursing at Sonas Home Health Care

This blog was reviewed by Jillian Miller BSN, RN — Director of Nursing for Sonas Home Health Care’s Tampa Bay market — for clinical accuracy. Jillian Miller has been a nurse for 16 years — working primarily in pediatrics. She believes the best part of working with the pediatric population is when you see smiles from clients when you first enter the room. She loves seeing the difference you can make in families’ lives while providing the best care possible for them.