Cold Sores (cont.)
IN THIS ARTICLE
- Cold Sores Overview
- Cold Sore Causes
- Cold Sore Symptoms
- When to Seek Medical Care
- Exams and Tests
- Cold Sore Treatment
- Self-Care at Home
- Medical Treatment
- Next Steps
- Follow-up
- Prevention
- Outlook
- Synonyms and Keywords
- Authors and Editors
- Viewer Comments: Herpes Simplex Infections (Cold Sores, Non-Genital) - Describe Your Experience
Exams and Tests
The diagnosis of cold sores is usually based on the appearance of the lesions. Usually, no laboratory test is needed because most sores that look like cold sores are cold sores. If there is a question about the diagnosis, a variety of tests are available, including viral culture and polymerase chain reaction(PCR). To do these tests, a swab is rubbed over an active blister. Swabbing the blister in an attempt to culture the virus in the lab only works in the first 24 to 48 hours before the blister has a crusted over. There is also a way to test for herpes DNA in a swab that has been rubbed on the sore. This type of testing is called a "polymerase chain reaction" or PCR for short. PCR testing is very good at detecting herpes virus, but it is not as readily available as culture.
Blood tests for antibodies are not very useful, because finding antibodies to herpes just means that the body has been exposed to this virus at some point in the past. It does not tell if the current sore is due to herpes.
If the diagnosis is in doubt, the best approach is to encourage the person to see a doctor at the first sign of a sore. That will allow the clinician to see active lesions that can be tested by culture or PCR.
Next: Cold Sore Treatment »
Viewer Comments & Reviews
Herpes Simplex Infections (Cold Sores, Non-Genital) - Describe Your Experience
Please describe your experience with herpes simplex infections (cold sores, non-genital).
Important Safety Information
- KAPIDEX may not be right for everyone. You should not take KAPIDEX if you are allergic to KAPIDEX or any of its ingredients. Severe allergic reactions have been reported.
- Symptom relief does not rule out other serious stomach conditions.
- The most common side effects of KAPIDEX were diarrhea (4.8%), stomach pain (4.0%), nausea (2.9%), common cold (1.9%), vomiting (1.6%), and gas (1.6%). KAPIDEX and certain other medicines can affect each other. Before taking KAPIDEX, tell your doctor if you are taking ampicillin, atazanavir, digoxin, iron, ketoconazole, or tacrolimus. If you are taking KAPIDEX with warfarin, you may need to be monitored because serious risks could occur.
Uses of KAPIDEX
- Persistent heartburn two or more days a week, despite treatment and diet changes, could be acid reflux disease (ARD). Prescription KAPIDEX capsules are used in adults to treat heartburn related to ARD, to heal acid-related damage to the lining of the esophagus (called erosive esophagitis or EE), and to stop EE from coming back. Individual results may vary. Most damage (erosions) heals in 4–8 weeks.
Talk to your doctor or healthcare professional. Please see full Prescribing Information for KAPIDEX.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
KAPIDEX™ is a trademark of Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc., and is used under license by Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc.
LPD-00767
Skin & Beauty
Get beauty tips and body treatments.
From WebMD
Skin and Beauty Resources
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Also on eMedicineHealth
Read What Your Physician is Reading on eMedicine
Herpes Simplex »
Herpes simplex viruses (HSVs) are DNA viruses that cause acute skin infections and present as grouped vesicles on an erythematous base.
