Cold Sores Before Periods: Why, What To Do, As per Gynaecologist

Cold Sores During Period Appear in Lower Lip Area

While cold sores may surprise many, Dr. Dalwai assures that "this could be one of the clinical manifestations of the PMS."

"Cold sores or aphthous ulcers are blisters found in the mucosa part of the oral cavity, especially the lower lip area. These are generally painful and may contain pus or blood at times," she informs.

What can cause cold sores? "Herpes simplex virus type 1 and less commonly herpes simplex virus 2," Dr. Dalwai says, cautioning, "Both can affect the mouth or genitals and can spread by close contacts such as kissing or oral sex."

The doctor adds that the sores can last for a fortnight or also three weeks and can heal on their own, without leaving a scar.

What Can Trigger Cold Sores Before Periods And In General?

According to Dr. Dalwai, the triggers behind cold sores can be the following:

1) Hormonal changes related to menstrual cycle.

2) Any sickness such as viral fever as it increases the temperature of the oral cavity.

3) Any trauma while brushing teeth as it may cause cuts, giving rise to ulcerative mucositis.

4) Poor oral hygiene and excessive biting of the oral mucosa as a result of anxiety around the menses.

5) Indigestion or acid reflux diseases.

6) Excessive exposure to sun or wind.

7) Extremes of temperature or foods.

7) Folate or Vitamin B12 deficiency or anemia.

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How Can You Prevent Cold Sores?

Dr. Dalwai mentions the following preventive tips:

1) Avoid kissing and skin contact with people having blisters. The virus spreads more when blisters leak fluid.

2) Avoid sharing utensils, towels, lip balms, other personal hygiene products.

3) Ensure adequate hand hygiene, intimate and private parts hygiene, alongside proper oral hygiene.

4) Talk to your healthcare provider regarding specific conditions contributing to the cold sores and get treated.

What's The Treatment For Cold Sores?

1) Antiviral medication: Dr. Dalwai says antiviral medication prescribed by doctors, like Acyclovir, can be had while the cold sore outbreakgoing on.

2) Over-the-counter drugs: Mucosal antiseptics and analgesics,like Zytee gel, Dologel, or Mucopain. They can be either applied locally or consumed orally.

3) Multivitamins and oral folic acid: If the underlying cause is folate or B12 deficiency, doctors may prescribe this.

4) Steroid gargling: Most recurrent and resistant cold sores can be treated with steroid gargling. Antibiotics like Rifaximin combined with antacids and lifestyle behaviors for a month should heal the sores, says Dr. Dalwai.

As a word of caution, she says, "Do not self-medicate...Also, genital cold sores are less common than oral. Symptoms are visible in the first outbreak or recurrence. Recurrent outbreaks are less severe than first ones."

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