Cold sores are small blisters around the mouth, caused by the herpes simplex virus. They are sometimes called fever blisters. The most common strain of the virus causing cold sores is herpes simplex virus 1. It can be spread by kissing or sharing eating utensils or even sharing towels. Herpes
simplex is not curable, but may lie dormant for a long time. Episodes of the cold sores last no longer than 2 weeks. Hot sun, cold wind, a cold or other illness, or a weak immune system can cause an outbreak of herpes simplex virus. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus. Once the herpes simplex virus is in you, it can cause outbreaks of cold sores. Cold sore outbreaks are often triggered by exposure to hot sun, cold wind, a cold or other
illness, a weak immune system, or even stress. Some people don’t have any symptoms with the first attack; others have flu-like symptoms and ulcers in and around the mouth. While each person may experience symptoms differently, these are the most common: Tingling of the lips, commonly felt before cold sores appear Small blisters on the lips and mouth that enlarge, burst, then crust over Itching, dryness, and irritation of the lips and mouth Soreness of the lips and mouth Your doctor can often diagnose cold sores by examining the sores. If the diagnosis is unclear, he or she may culture the sore by taking a sample of cells using a swab and examining it under a microscope. Cold sores can’t be cured, but, if symptoms are severe, treatment may help relieve
some symptoms. Treatment may include:
Cold sores take about 1 to 3 weeks to heal. The first time they appear, they can take up to 3 weeks to heal. But, when cold sores return, they usually take a week to heal if no medicines are used. Antiviral medications may help, but they need to be started before day 3 or 4 of the blister formation. Antivirals are usually not recommended for otherwise healthy people. Always consult your health care provider or dentist if the sore does not heal or becomes worse as time passes. Can cold sores be prevented?If you have never had a cold sore, avoid skin-to-skin contact with someone who has an active cold sore. If you have had a cold sore, you may prevent or reduce the number of recurrences by determining what triggers your outbreaks and avoiding the trigger. For instance, if sun exposure is a trigger, use sun screen when in the sun. If you have frequent outbreaks, consult with your health care provider. Starting treatment as soon as you know you are developing a cold sore can promote healing and reduce the time it takes a cold sore to heal. Key points
Next stepsTips to help you get the most from a visit to your health care provider:
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What are cold sores?Cold sores are small blister-like spots that appear in or around the outside of the mouth and are caused by infection with the herpes simplex virus. There is no cure for cold sores, but there are ways to treat the symptoms and prevent new outbreaks. What are the symptoms of cold sores?Cold sores start with an itchy and tingling sensation usually on the mouth, lips or nose and may form small blisters that crust after 3 days. Cold sores usually clear up after 2 weeks without leaving any scars. They can be highly contagious, even when the blisters aren’t present. The virus can spread between people by direct physical contact, such as kissing, skin-to-skin contact and sharing drink containers, eating utensils, towels or toothbrushes with someone who already has a cold sore. As well as a blister-like spot, the following symptoms are also common:
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the mouth problems Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help. What causes cold sores?There are 2 types of herpes simplex virus. Cold sores are usually caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Herpes simplex virus type 2 causes most cases of genital herpes. However, both viruses can cause either cold sores or genital herpes. About 80 per cent of adults are infected with HSV-1. Most people are infected when they are young and the infection lasts for life. However, the virus can remain dormant (inactive) in many people, meaning that cold sores may never appear. Various factors can cause the virus to become active resulting in one or more cold sores. They can include:
When should I see my doctor?You may need to see a doctor if you have more severe symptoms or a weakened immune system — if, for example, you have HIV or you are having cancer treatment. It’s also a good idea to see your doctor if:
Antibiotics may be needed if the cold sore gets infected. FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services. ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use our Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist. How are cold sores treated?MedicationsAntiviral creams or ointments such as aciclovir, famciclovir and valaciclovir should be used in the first few days of a cold sore outbreak when a tingling sensation or a raised sore or blister is first noticed. These are available without prescription from pharmacies and other shops and supermarkets. A single dose of antiviral tablets is also available from your pharmacist without a prescription. Talk to your pharmacist to see if they are right for you. Your pharmacist may also recommend products to treat the short-term symptoms of a cold sore. Povidone-iodine ointments (commonly known as Betadine) may reduce symptoms in some people. If you are in pain, paracetamol may be helpful. Alternatively, get advice from your doctor on medicines you can take. If you have frequent severe cold sores, your doctor may prescribe an oral antiviral medicine to stop the virus from reactivating. Complementary medicinesSome complementary medicines have been promoted as preventing cold sores. One of these products is an amino acid called lysine — but there is no evidence that it is effective. Self-helpIf you have a cold sore there are several things you can do to help manage the condition.
Can cold sores be prevented?There are steps you can take to prevent spreading cold sores to others if you have them:
There are also ways to prevent spreading cold sores from erupting again:
Complications of cold soresFor most people, cold sores get better in time with over-the-counter treatments and self-care. However, for people with weakened immune systems, cold sores can be more severe and spread more widely. Uncommon complications of cold sores include:
What can trigger a cold sore?What causes cold sores? Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus. Once the herpes simplex virus is in you, it can cause outbreaks of cold sores. Cold sore outbreaks are often triggered by exposure to hot sun, cold wind, a cold or other illness, a weak immune system, or even stress.
What is the cause of cold sores on the lips?They're usually caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), and less commonly herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Both of these viruses can affect your mouth or genitals and can be spread by oral sex. Cold sores are contagious even if you don't see the sores.
How do I get rid of a cold sore on my lip fast?There are antiviral drugs that can help cold sores heal faster, including acyclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir and penciclovir.. Cold, damp washcloth.. Ice or cold compress.. Petroleum jelly.. Pain relievers, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen.. How do I stop a cold sore from forming?Cold sores respond to medications called antivirals, which work by stopping the herpes virus from replicating. Using the medication as soon as symptoms develop can stop the cold sore from developing or reduce its size and healing time. Antiviral medications are only available via prescription.
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