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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’ve always had a great experience at El Nashar Dental Care. The reception team are always welcoming, helpful, and make everything run smoothly from the moment you arrive. Maddison, the dental assistant, is fantastic—friendly and efficient. Fran, the hygienist, is brilliant and a pleasure to deal with. I’ve been treated by both Lauren and Andrew, and they’re both excellent dentists—professional, reassuring, and always take the time to explain things clearly. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the whole team!

    Paul Mcglinchey - See Google Reviews

  • Fantastic dentist, wonderful staff and knowledge. You are well looked after and the attention to detail and advice on offer is night and day from my old NHS dentist. I've always had a slight fear of the dentist, I hate any work on my teeth, but my Hygienist, Terri, makes it a pleasure. Ultra careful, efficient and great advice to help me look after my teeth. Great practice, highly recommend to anyone who's lost NHS service, or just wants a good private dentist who will look after you.

    Chris Murgatroyd - See Google Reviews

  • Everyone at this practice is very friendly and helpful. I am terrified of dentists but have been seeing Mark shortly after he started here. He is the best dentist I have ever had and the longest one I've stayed with. He treats me not just my teeth. The first dentist who has ever done that . Can't praise enough. Thank you Mark.

    Irene Hollister - See Google Reviews


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