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Cold Sores

What are cold sores?

Cold sores are the consequence of a viral infection, normally in childhood. They usually appear on the lips and nostrils but can be more widespread.

How do you catch cold sores?

You can catch cold sores by:

  • Directly touching a cold sore
  • Kissing someone with a cold sore
  • Sharing household objects such as towels, cups and cutlery

What Are The Symptoms?

  • The first signs are usually tingling, burning or itching.
  • Within 24 hours painful blisters form. Blisters breakdown into shallow ulcers after a few days.
  • Cold sores are infectious from the early tingling stage up to the end of the ulcer phase.

Healing is normally complete in 10 to 14 days. In children cold sores can become infected with bacteria and develop impetigo.


Why do they keep coming back?

After the first infection, the virus lies dormant in the nerve that supplies the infected area.

The virus can be reactivated at any time and cause another cold sore.

Various trigger factors are:

  • Stress
  • Fatigue
  • Strong sunlight
  • UV light from sun beds
  • Menstruation or pregnancy
  • Generally when feeling run-down

Our Advice

If you have a cold sore, wash your hands thoroughly if you accidentally touch it.

Do not:

  • Touch the cold Sore
  • Touch your eyes during the infection
  • Kiss (especially children) when you have the infection
  • Pick the ulcers or the scab. You will infect your fingers with the virus
  • Share eating/drinking utensils with others, especially children
  • Share the same towels or face cloths with others in your family
  • Consider rescheduling your dental appointment when a cold sore is present if non urgent as it may cause discomfort during treatment

Now welcoming new patients

Please get in touch with our friendly team on 01626 212121

Why Choose Us?

Because we are a family run practice with patient care at the heart of everything we do.

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What Our Patients Say About Us


  • I went for my regularcheck up. Vanessa is always very thorough and explains everything which includes seeing your teeth and x trays on the screen which is helpful. The hygienist Nick is equally as thorough. Talking you through the procedure and making recomendations with regards to home care, brushing , flossing etc. The nursing and reception team are very welcoming and supportive . An all round 5* service. I came out feeling totally reassured and confident that I'm in good hands at Al Nashar. My compliments to all the management and staff. Keep it up!

    julie Dyke - See Google Reviews

  • I have been with el nashar for years! And feel so fortunate to have such a lovely dentist! At the weekend I had an emergency where I was in excruciating pain, I gave the out of hours a call and within an how on a Sunday night I was in having the treatment I needed to get rid of the pain, thank you so much to Jo and Hannah for getting me in, i would never recommend any other dentist. Lauren is my usual lady to go and with quite a fear of the dentist she always makes me feel safe and relaxed, all the staff go above and beyond to meet your own individual needs. A big thank you again!

    Kayleigh Williams - See Google Reviews

  • I am so pleased to be able to write this review - having been scheduled in for an emergency appointment which the surgery fitted in just a few hours after calling, the service I received was incredible. Joanna and her nurse (apologies for not remembering her name) looked after me incredibly well and although I am not (yet) registered with the practice, i was given 5 star treatment, support and advice. The reception staff were helpful, knowledgeable and efficient and processed my registration promptly even sending through a copy of my X-ray for me to keep. Dental treatment is never 'cheap' and although I paid probably a little more than expected, every penny was worth it for the treatment and thoroughness of the team that helped me to deal with what was a debilitating toothache. i cannot recommend the practice highly enough and they set a standard that others should aspire to...! Such is the extent to which I am impressed, despite living over three hours away, I shall be registering with Joanna and the team for any future treatment. Thank you all, best wishes to each of you and see you again soon as a registered patient. Gordon...

    Solent Flyer Paragliding (Solent Flyer Paragliding) - See Google Reviews


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