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- Also called: Herpes labialis, fever blisters or oral herpes
- Type of ailment: Viral
- Duration: Several days or up to two weeks
- Common medication or therapy: Over-the-counter or prescribed pills or ointmentsWebMD: Cold Sores - Treatment Overview
- Cause: Herpes simplex virus
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Cold sores are painful blisters on or around the lips and mouth. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is most often associated with cold sores, though the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), which causes genital herpes, can also cause cold sores. There is no cure for cold sores or the herpes simplex virus.
Treatment for cold sores often involves over-the-counter or prescribed medications to ease discomfort as the blisters heal. In some cases, certain ointments applied on the cold sores or oral antiviral medications such as Valtrex can speed healing by up to two days or prevent future outbreaks.WebMD: Cold Sores - Topic Overview MayoClinic.com: Cold Sore: Treatments and Drugs
Cold Sores Symptoms
Red, painful, fluid-filled blisters will begin to form around or on the lips or mouth area. Some people will experience a tingling sensation or pain in the area up to two days before the outbreak. Within a few days, the blisters will begin to break and ooze, before crusting over and eventually healing.WebMD: Cold Sores - Topic OverviewOther symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Swollen lymph glands in the neck or elsewhere in the bodyWebMD: Cold Sores - Topic Overview
Cold Sore Triggers
Theories vary on what exactly can trigger a cold sore outbreak. Possible triggers may include:- Stress
- Colds or the flu
- Exposure to sunlight
- Sharing utensils or having direct bodily contact with an infected personWebMD: Cold Sores - Topic Overview
Disclaimer
The content on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact a physician for information on cold sores.
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