How to treat a cold sore in Pontarddulais at Medihub Pharmacy
Mouth ulcers and cold sores are incredibly common; it is often very difficult to tell mouth ailments apart. Cold sores are more likely to occur during winter. Therefore, it is important to be able to spot and know how to treat a cold sore in Pontarddulais, Swansea. Keep reading to find out what symptoms to look out for, as well as how to treat said symptoms using our common ailments scheme.
What are cold sores?
Cold sores are small fluid-filled blisters that appear on your face. This happens as a result of the herpes simplex virus; around 1 in 5 people in the UK suffer from recurring cold sores. Tell-tale signs of a cold sore include burning or itching.
Where can I get cold sores?
Generally, you will get cold sores around your lips and mouth, however they can appear anywhere on the face. If you think you may have a cold sore, you should avoid things like sharing glasses and lipstick, as well as kissing and having oral sex.
What are mouth ulcers?
On the other hand, mouth ulcers are painful sores that appear inside your mouth. Ordinarily, they are red, grey or white in colour; they are usually found on the tongue or the inside of your cheeks or lips. They are nothing to be worried about, as they usually only cause discomfort, making some activities difficult. These include eating, drinking and brushing your teeth. However, they normally clear up in a few weeks by themselves.
Cold Sore vs Mouth Ulcer
We know it can often be difficult to tell conditions like these apart, so we have included the following comparison:
Mouth Ulcer
– Appears inside your mouth
– White, red or grey sore
– Not contagious
– Usually clears up within 3 weeks
Cold Sore
– Tingling, burning, or itching sensation around the lips
– A small blister filled with fluid
– Contagious
– Usually starts healing within 10 days
Both of these may make daily activities such as brushing your teeth, eating and drinking more difficult.
So, now you know the difference, how can you treat a cold sore & more in Pontarddulais?
The NHS Common Ailments Scheme in Wales allows us to diagnose, provide advice or treat 26 common ailments, including cold sores and mouth ulcers. Although both ailments tend to clear up by themselves, you may wish to visit us if you are struggling with the symptoms, or your condition has lasted longer than expected. The scheme means that you can avoid a visit to your GP and come straight to us, saving your time as well as your GP’s.
You can find out more about the common ailments scheme here:
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This post was written on behalf of Medihub Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.
