Herpes

The common cold sore is known as recurrent herpes labialis.

Cause - Herpes Virus. Most people have been exposed to this virus, but only a small percentage suffer from the recurrent outbreaks.

Herpes outbreaks are typically self limiting, but some medications can help speed up the healing process. Laser treatments can give immediate pain relief and the lesion will heal in 24-72 hours. The laser therapy

Previously herpes labialis and recurrent aphthous ulcers have not been successfully treated. A preliminary study with a pulsed Nd:YAG laser evaluated the results with a protocol of four minute non-contact exposures for both types of lesions. Most patients experienced relief of symptoms. The progress of herpes lesion was halted and aphthous lesions became desensitized.