COLD SORE TREATMENT
What is a Cold Sore?
Many people suffer from herpetic lesions, commonly known as “Cold Sores” or “Fever Blisters“. These sores often present on the lips and are painful and unsightly. They are the result of a Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) usually contracted as a child, which lies dormant for many years. The cold sore can be contagious and while we can treat them, those people who have cold sores will most likely always have the virus, even if it is controlled.
​
How do I know if I have a cold sore?
​
For patients who regularly suffer from outbreaks of this virus, they often report a pre-outbreak or “pro-dromal” sensation that may include itching, burning, or tingling sensation around their lips for a day or so before at the site of the future sore. If not caught in time, a blister will appear with the cold sores usually breaking open and having a fluid discharge. These sores are usually self–limiting and can take 2 to 4 weeks to heal completely.
​
What is the best way to treat this problem?
​
Cold sores generally clear up without treatment within a few days of appearing and then disappear within about 10 days to 2 weeks. But they can very painful and unsightly and you might want to treat them as soon as possible to eliminate discomfort and unsightly blemishes.
​
There are various approaches to treat this problem including pills, ointments and rinses. If you catch the lesion in time with the Periolase (Nd:YAG) treatment, Dr. Joshua Mondlick can usually prevent the cold sore from breaking out altogether.
​
As soon as you feel that tingling sensation that warns you of an on-coming sore, schedule an appointment for a laser treatment. If you already have a full blown blister, the laser will take away the discomfort usually by the end of the first visit and help it to dry up and heal much faster.
How does it work?
By pointing the laser light directly on to the area about to break-out (or where it has already formed), the lasers energy enters the site and kills the virus that causes this outbreak. As the laser does not actually touch the skin, there is no need to have any anesthesia. The procedure takes but a few minutes and usually can be definitive even within the first visit. If the blister has broken, the laser energy will reduce pain and speed up the body’s own healing process.
While the virus never really “leaves” you, there is some evidence that the cold sore will not return to that spot once treated by the laser energy.
​
Call Mondlick Perio at 623-583-3960 to schedule your cold sore laser treatment today!