cold sores: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Cold Sores

Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are small, painful blisters caused by the herpes simplex virus. They can be uncomfortable and recur. Find out more about this common condition.

Recommended Actions

Alleviate lip pain by applying a soothing lip balm or cream, using a cold, damp cloth to reduce redness and swelling, and, if needed, taking over-the-counter pain relievers.

Recommended Avoidances

Avoid spreading symptoms by refraining from intimate contact during outbreaks, not sharing items like utensils, lip balm, or makeup, and avoiding touching sores and then other parts of your body.

Prevention Tips

Protect against cold sores by using sunscreen on your lips and face, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, and refraining from sharing personal items.

Condition 101

Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are small, painful blisters that typically form on or near the lips. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and can spread from person to person through close contact. Although cold sores are common and self-limiting, they can be uncomfortable and often recur.

Small, fluid-filled blisters on or around your lips
Pain, tingling or burning sensation around your mouth and lips, often a few days before the blisters appear
Mild fever, body aches or swollen lymph nodes
Cold sores are primarily caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). They can also be caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), primarily transmitted through sexual contact.
Having a weakened immune system
Previous history of other viral infections
Stress or fatigue
The cold sores are frequent and severe
Symptoms persist beyond two weeks
You have a weakened immune system
You experience eye discomfort or irritation

Clinical examination: The appearance of your sores is often enough to diagnose.
Viral culture: A fluid sample from the sore may be sent to a laboratory.
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test: This test can identify the DNA of the HSV virus.
Widespread blisters
Severe and recurrent cases in people with weakened immune systems
Infection spreading to other parts of the body
Eye complications if HSV infects the eye
Cold sores aren't caused by the common cold
Cold sores are highly contagious even if you don't see the sores
You can't cure HSV or cold sores, but you can manage the symptoms
Impetigo
Angular cheilitis
Canker sores

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Treatment Options

Need more information about Cold Sores, contact us for more help on treatment or advise.

Docosanol (Abreva)
Antiviral creams such as Acyclovir (Zovirax) and Penciclovir (Denavir)

Oral antiviral drugs such as Acyclovir, Famciclovir, or Valacyclovir
Antiviral creams

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