Cold Sores

Cold Sores

Cold sores, or fever blisters, are a common viral infection. They are tiny, fluid-filled blisters on and around the lips. These blisters are often grouped together in patches. After the blisters break, a scab forms that can last several days. Cold sores usually heal in 2 to 3 weeks without leaving a scar.

Cold sores spread from person to person by close contact, such as kissing. 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 the mouth or genitals and can be spread by oral sex. The virus can spread even if you don't see the sores.

There's no cure for cold sores, but treatment can help manage outbreaks.

Symptoms

A cold sore usually passes through several stages:

• Tingling and itching. Many people feel itching, burning or tingling around the lips for a day or so before a small, hard, painful spot appears and blisters form.

• Blisters. Small fluid-filled blisters often form along the border of the lips. Sometimes they appear around the nose or cheeks or inside the mouth.

• Oozing and crusting. The small blisters may merge and then burst. This can leave shallow open sores that ooze and crust over.

  In a first-time outbreak, you also might experience:

  • Fever.

  • Painful gums.

  • Sore throat.

  • Headache.

  • Muscle aches.

  • Swollen lymph nodes.

Prevention

Take these steps to help avoid spreading cold sores to other people:

• Avoid kissing and skin contact with people while blisters are present. The virus spreads most easily when the blisters leak fluid.

• Avoid sharing items. Utensils, towels, lip balm and other personal items can spread the virus when blisters are present.

• Keep your hands clean. When you have a cold sore, wash your hands carefully before touching yourself and other people, especially babies.