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DOES IT HURT DURING THE TREATMENT?

During treatment some people feel nothing. Others may experience a warm sensation.

DOES LASER TREATMENT REALLY WORK FOR COLD SORES?

Unlike other cold sore treatments, like creams or ointments, lasers get to the root of the problem! The light energy destroys the local virus. The laser also helps your body heal faster because it increases the formation of collagen and fibrin!

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?

Absolutely no side effects! It is safe to use on infants.

WILL IT LOOK DIFFERENT AFTER?

Immediately following the laser treatment, although the healing has started and the pain is gone, the lesion will appear the same. You will see a visual difference in 16-24 hours

WHAT DO I DO AFTER THE TREATMENT?

The best thing is to help your body fight the herpes virus. Dose up on your vitamins; drink your green drinks and rest!

DO COLD SORES MEAN YOU HAVE A SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTION?

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus. There are two types of the herpes simplex virus. The herpes simplex type 1 virus (HSV-1) usually causes cold sores, and the herpes simplex type 2 virus (HSV-2) usually causes genital herpes.

The actual sores are similar in appearance for both forms of the virus. It’s also possible for HSV-1 to cause sores on the genitals and for HSV-2 to cause sores on the mouth.

HOW LONG DO COLD SORES LAST?

If not treated with the Diode laser, the first outbreak can last up to 2 weeks. There's no cure for cold sores, but with our laser therapy you will pain free and healed in 2-5 days.

HOW DOES THE LASER WORK?

Laser treatment seals the nerve endings giving immediate relief from itching, burning, tingling or pain and it biostimulates the area encouraging quicker healing. In the case of the herpetic lesion (cold sore), the viral particles are destroyed resulting in the transformation of the lesion from the active to the healing phase. If the herpetic lesion can be treated during the prodromal stage (the first signs of development) we can stop the lesion from ever manifesting.

WHY HAVEN'T CREAMS AND OINTMENT LIKE ABREVA AND ZOVIRAK WORKED FOR ME IN THE PAST?

Typical healing time with creams only works if used at the first sign of a cold sore. Our patients frequently comment on how much better the laser therapy works and they do not use any creams or ointments any more.

HOW DO I PROTECT MY FAMILY WHEN I HAVE A COLD SORE?

To prevent transmission and avoid spreading the virus, the following can be practiced:

• Avoid touching, scratching, or picking at cold sores. Touching them transfers the virus to the hands, allowing it to spread to the fingers, eyes, and to other people.
• Wash their hands frequently. This can help keep the virus off the hands, and so from being spread.
• Avoid sharing drinks, utensils, lip products, toothpaste, towels, or any items that might touch the mouth, especially when a sore is present.
• Avoid skin-to-skin contact with others when cold sores are present. This includes kissing, sexual contact, and contact sports.

WHAT ARE THE STAGES OF A COLD SORE?

A cold sore goes through five stages:

• Stage 1: Tingling and itching occurs about 24 hours before blisters erupt.
• Stage 2: Fluid-filled blisters appear.
• Stage 3: The blisters burst, ooze, and form painful sores.
• Stage 4: The sores dry out and scab over causing itching and cracking.
• Stage 5: the scab falls off and the cold sore heals.

WHAT IF I AM PREGNANT/BREASTFEEDING WITH A COLD SORE? IS IT SAFE TO BE TREATED WITH A LASER?

Absolutely! There are no contraindications for treating pregnant or breastfeeding women. It is also safe to use on children.

WHY AM I GETTING A COLD SORE?

According to the Mayo Clinic, 90 percent of adults worldwide test positive for the herpes simplex type 1 virus. Once you have the virus, certain risk factors may reactivate it such as:

• infection, fever, or a cold
• sun exposure
• stress
• HIV/AIDS or a weakened immune system
• menstruation
• severe burns
• eczema
• chemotherapy
• dental work

You’re at risk of getting a cold sore if you come in contact with the fluid of a cold sore through kissing, sharing foods or drinks, or sharing personal care items such as toothbrushes and razors. If you come in contact with the saliva of someone who has the virus, you can get the virus, even if there are no visible blisters.