Cold sores are small painful blisters that can appear around the mouth, face, or
nose. Cold sores (or fever blisters) are very common. They usually go away on their
own within 1 to 2 weeks.
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Cold Sores?
Cold sores first form blisters on the lips, around the mouth, and sometimes inside
the mouth. The blisters then become sores, which can make eating painful. They're
filled with fluid, but crust over and form a scab before they go away.
Sometimes the virus causes redness and swelling of the gums, fever, muscle aches,
a generally ill feeling, and swollen neck glands.
After someone first gets HSV-1, the virus can lie quietly in the body without causing
any symptoms. But it can wake up again later from things like:
When the virus reactivates, it can cause tingling and numbness around the mouth
before blisters appear.
What Causes Cold Sores?
The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) causes cold sores. This is a different
from herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). HSV-2 causes lesions in the
genital area called genital
herpes. Even though HSV-1 typically causes sores around the mouth and HSV-2 causes
genital sores, these viruses can cause sores in either place.
How Do People Get Cold Sores?
People can get HSV-1 by kissing or touching someone with cold sores, or by sharing
eating utensils, towels, or other items with an infected person. Many people with
HSV-1 got it as kids during their preschool years.
How Are Cold Sores Treated?
Cold sores usually go away in about 1 to 2 weeks. No medicines can make the virus
go away. But some treatments can help make cold sores less painful and not last as
long:
Cold compresses can help with discomfort.
Prescription or over-the-counter treatments are sometimes recommended by the doctor.
Cool foods and drinks can help make eating more comfortable.
Taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen may ease pain. Don't take aspirin,
as it's linked to a rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome.
When Should I Call the Doctor?
If you have a cold sore, it's important to see your doctor if:
you have another health condition that has weakened your immune
system
the sores don't heal by themselves within 2 weeks
you get cold sores often
you have signs of a bacterial infection, such as fever, pus, or spreading redness
Can Cold Sores Be Prevented?
The virus that causes cold sores is very contagious. To help prevent it from spreading
to others:
Keep your drinking glasses and eating utensils, as well as washcloths and towels,
separate from those used by other family members and wash these items well after use.
Don't kiss others until the sores heal.
Wash your hands well
and often, especially after touching a cold sore.
Be especially careful not to touch your eyes. If HSV-1 gets into the eyes, it can
cause a lot of damage.