- Home
- Parents Home
- Allergy Center
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- A to Z Dictionary
- Emotions & Behavior
- First Aid & Safety
- Food Allergy Center
- General Health
- Growth & Development
- Flu Center
- Heart Health
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Diseases & Conditions
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Play & Learn Center
- School & Family Life
- Pregnancy Center
- Newborn Center
- Q&A
- Recipes
- Sports Medicine Center
- Doctors & Hospitals
- Videos
- Para Padres
- Home
- Kids Home
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Movies & More
- Diabetes Center
- Getting Help
- Feelings
- Puberty & Growing Up
- Health Problems of Grown-Ups
- Health Problems
- Homework Center
- How the Body Works
- Illnesses & Injuries
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes & Cooking
- Staying Healthy
- Stay Safe Center
- Relax & Unwind Center
- Q&A
- Heart Center
- Videos
- Staying Safe
- Kids' Medical Dictionary
- Para Niños
- Home
- Teens Home
- Asthma Center
- Be Your Best Self Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- Diseases & Conditions
- Drugs & Alcohol
- Expert Answers (Q&A)
- Flu Center
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Managing Your Medical Care
- Managing Your Weight
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes
- Safety & First Aid
- School & Work
- Sexual Health
- Sports Center
- Stress & Coping Center
- Videos
- Your Body
- Your Mind
- Para Adolescentes
Cold Sores
What Is a Cold Sore?
A cold sore is a small blister that forms on the outer edge of the lip. Some people call cold sores fever blisters.
Cold sores can appear one at a time or in little bunches. They're filled with fluid, then crust over and form a scab before they go away. They last about a week or two and usually don't need any treatment.
What Causes Cold Sores?
Cold sores are caused by a virus. The name of the virus is herpes (say: HUR-peez) simplex virus type 1 (or HSV-1, for short). Someone can get the virus by kissing someone with a cold sore or sharing personal items (like a towel, drinking glass, fork, or spoon) with them.
After a kid gets a cold sore, the HSV-1 virus stays in their body even after the cold sore goes away. And sometimes, the virus can make cold sores come back again.
How Can I Avoid Getting Cold Sores?
If you know someone who has a cold sore, try not to catch their germs. Don't kiss them or use their drinking glass, fork, spoon, or towels.
What Can I Do if I Have a Cold Sore?
Cold sores usually go away on their own, but sometimes doctors will treat them with medicine.
While you're waiting for the cold sore to go away:
- Wash your hands often so you don’t spread the virus to other people.
- Don't pick at the cold sore. Picking can spread the virus to other parts of your body. It can also make it take longer to heal.
- If you have pain, try placing some ice wrapped in cloth or a cool washcloth on the sore. It also might help to eat a popsicle. If the cold sore still feels uncomfortable, ask a parent if a pain medicine (like acetaminophen or ibuprofen) could help.
What Can I Do to Prevent Cold Sores From Coming Back?
Taking good care of yourself may help prevent cold sores from coming back. But sometimes they come back without a clear reason.
Here are some tips that may help prevent another cold sore:
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995- The Nemours Foundation. KidsHealth® is a registered trademark of The Nemours Foundation. All rights reserved.
Images sourced by The Nemours Foundation and Getty Images.
Humana Healthy Horizons in Ohio
- Humana Healthy Horizons
- Humana Healthy Horizons Extras
- Member Support
- Care management
- Caregiver resources
- Child well-being
- Disease management
- Documents and forms
- Enrollment
- Grievances and appeals
- Health and wellness
- KidsHealth
- Member Handbook
- New Member Resources
- News and alerts
- OhioRISE Plan
- Pregnancy outcomes
- Tobacco cessation
- Why Humana
- Your primary care provider
- For Providers
- Contact us
- Accessibility
- Humana Healthy Horizons
- Humana Healthy Horizons Extras
- Member Support
- Care management
- Caregiver resources
- Child well-being
- Disease management
- Documents and forms
- Enrollment
- Grievances and appeals
- Health and wellness
- KidsHealth
- Member Handbook
- New Member Resources
- News and alerts
- OhioRISE Plan
- Pregnancy outcomes
- Tobacco cessation
- Why Humana
- Your primary care provider
- For Providers
- Contact us
- Accessibility