Cold Sore Therapy near Las Vegas, NV

Cold sores are blisters on the lips near the mouth. The blisters are usually swollen, inflamed and red, and can be uncomfortable. Other names are oral herpes, mouth herpes, herpes simplex labialis, or a fever blister. The lesions can appear independently or in little clusters, and when they break, a transparent fluid leaks out and the blister will scab over. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus, also called HSV, and may appear in or around the mouth. Unfortunately, this problem is highly infectious and can be transmitted quite easily when someone touches the affected area. Cold sores can be easily diagnosed and treated by seasoned dentist Dr. Michaela Tozzi at Michaela Tozzi, DMD with minimally invasive laser treatments. If you live in Henderson, NV or near Las Vegas, reach out to our office today to schedule an appointment.

Cold sore therapy offers several benefits for individuals dealing with these common and often bothersome viral infections. Firstly, it can significantly reduce the duration and severity of cold sore outbreaks. Therapy can also alleviate the discomfort associated with cold sores, including pain, itching, and burning sensations. Additionally, cold sore therapy helps prevent the spread of the virus to other parts of the body or to other individuals through direct contact or sharing personal items. By controlling the outbreak and minimizing the risk of transmission, it promotes overall health and well-being.

Cold sores can be caused by a variety of different reasons and are usually transmitted by physical contact or saliva exchange. Some causes for cold sore outbreaks may include:

• Excessive sunlight
• Exhaustion or stress
• Sharing lipsticks
• Kissing
• Poor hygiene

Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of herpes simplex virus, HSV-1 and HSV-2, but cold sores are most commonly caused by HSV-1. The virus is highly contagious and can be transmitted through close personal contact, such as kissing or sharing utensils, towels, or razors with an infected person. Once the virus enters the body, it remains dormant in nerve cells near the mouth and can be triggered by stress, illness, sun exposure, or hormonal changes. The virus then travels along nerve fibers to the skin, causing the characteristic cold sore. 

A typical symptom of a cold sore is a tingling or burning feeling preceding the arrival of the outbreak. The traditional indication of herpes is a group of blisters with a foundation of reddish skin. The blisters seem like a drop of water full of liquid. These blisters dry up quickly and leave a scab that lasts from a couple of days to a few weeks, based on the severity of the cold sore.

Cold sores typically go away on their own within a few days. However, if they are noticeable on the lip or close to the mouth, it is sometimes painful and embarrassing. Michaela Tozzi, DMD can help accelerate the healing process through advanced laser therapy. Our cold sore treatment goes straight to the cause of the problem, targeting the virus responsible for cold sores. Laser therapy can even treat a cold sore before the blister stage occurs without harming the surrounding tissue or coming in contact with your skin. This therapy is especially ideal for those who frequently suffer from cold sores. 

Why is laser cold sore treatment preferable to waiting for the sore to heal?
Treating cold sores with a laser at Michaela Tozzi, DMD not only accelerates the healing process of a sore and minimizes pain, but this laser therapy can also halt the development of a sore that’s not yet formed. This treatment both heals you faster and makes oncoming cold sores less likely to appear.

Should I avoid close contact with my spouse or significant other while a cold sore is active?
Yes, you should. Cold sores can be highly contagious during lip-to-lip contact while active. You should also avoid touching your sores as much as possible while making sure to wash your hands thoroughly if touching the sores is unavoidable.

Are there any steps I can take to keep cold sores from coming back?
While HSV can never fully be eliminated once you have it, a struggling immune system and/or stress can make the onset of cold sores more likely. If you are suffering from regular cold sore outbreaks, you may want to try getting more sleep, drinking plenty of water, and modifying your diet to include more anti-inflammatory foods.

How does cold sore therapy work?
The therapy employs a specialized laser to deliver light energy directly to the affected area. The laser energy encourages cellular activity and helps to reduce inflammation and pain. Essentially, the laser stimulates faster healing by activating the cells responsible for tissue repair.

Is cold sore therapy effective?
Many patients report quicker healing times and less discomfort after undergoing Laser Cold Sore Therapy. However, effectiveness can vary from person to person. It's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider to discuss whether this treatment is the best option for you.

Are there any side effects?
Side effects are typically minimal and may include slight redness or a tingling sensation in the treated area. These symptoms usually subside within a short period following the treatment. It's crucial to follow any aftercare instructions provided by your healthcare provider to minimize risks.

Advanced laser therapy can help speed up your healing so you can get back to enjoying your smile with confidence. If you are suffering from a cold sore, call Michaela Tozzi, DMD in the Greater Las Vegas area to learn more about laser therapy. With this innovative treatment, we can help control your cold sore quickly and effectively in addition to preventing future outbreaks.