OverviewWhat is a cold sore?A cold sore is a fluid-filled blister (or a cluster of blisters) that appears on the lips and around the mouth. Cold sores are also called fever blisters, oral herpes or herpes labialis. Show
Are cold sores contagious?While cold sores are highly contagious, they usually aren’t serious. In healthy people, cold sores generally clear up on their own in one to two weeks. How common are cold sores?Cold sores are widespread. More than half of the people in the United States have been infected with the virus that causes cold sores, though many people never develop cold sores or have any symptoms. About 20 to 40 percent of people who have the virus develop cold sores. How often do people get cold sores?A cold sore can develop multiple times a year or only once or twice in your lifetime. The frequency of a cold sore outbreak varies from person to person. Who is affected by cold sores?People of all ages can become infected with the virus that causes cold sores. Many people are exposed to the virus during childhood. It is possible to develop a cold sore at any age, though the chance of having a cold sore outbreak decreases after the age of 35. Symptoms and CausesWhat are the symptoms of cold sores?For many people, symptoms are more severe the first time they develop a cold sore. When you have a cold sore outbreak:
What causes cold sores?Cold sores are sometimes called oral herpes because they are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). This virus is very common and highly contagious. It spreads through saliva or close contact — often through kissing or by sharing utensils, straws, towels or lip balm with someone who has a cold sore. You may not know if you have been infected with HSV-1 because symptoms of exposure to HSV-1 are generally mild. Children sometimes develop a fever and small blisters inside and around their mouths when they are first exposed to HSV-1. What triggers a cold sore?After you have been infected with HSV-1, the virus never goes away. It remains dormant (inactive) in a group of nerve cells in your face called the trigeminal ganglion. When the virus is triggered, or activated, it “wakes up” and travels through your nerves to your lips, where a cold sore develops. After an outbreak, the virus goes back to sleep in your body. What triggers a cold sore in one person might not cause an outbreak in another person. Some people with HSV-1 never develop a cold sore. A cold sore can be activated by a variety of factors, including:
Diagnosis and TestsHow is a cold sore diagnosed?Your doctor will probably be able to tell if you have a cold sore by looking at the affected area. He or she may also swab the cold sore to test the fluid for the herpes simplex virus. How do I know if I have a cold sore?If you’ve had one before, you’ll likely recognize the symptoms: a tingling sensation followed by redness, swelling and blisters on or around your lips. You can visit your doctor for a diagnosis, although it is not always necessary to go to the doctor if you have a cold sore. Management and TreatmentHow do you get rid of a cold sore?Although it may take a while to get rid of a cold sore, some medicines can shorten the healing time and make the symptoms less painful. Cold sore treatments include:
What are the complications associated with cold sores?Although complications from cold sores are rare, they can include:
For certain groups of people, cold sores can lead to serious complications. The following groups of people should receive medical treatment immediately if they have a cold sore:
What can I do to help relieve symptoms of cold sores?While cold sores are uncomfortable, you can find relief at home. Suggestions to help manage cold sores:
PreventionHow can you prevent cold sores?To avoid being infected with HSV-1, you should take the following precautions around people who have cold sores:
If you’ve already come into contact with HSV-1, do these to reduce risk of a cold sore outbreak:
Outlook / PrognosisWhat is the outlook for patients who have cold sores?The majority of people who develop cold sores learn to live with and manage their outbreaks. In healthy people, cold sores usually clear up in one to two weeks and have no lasting effects. However, in young babies, immunocompromised people and those with eczema, cold sores can cause life-threatening infections. Living WithWhen should I call my doctor about my cold sores?You should seek treatment for a cold sore if you have:
What does it mean when your cold sore itches?Around days 5-8 of an outbreak scabs form. These are often itchy, may crack open, and can bleed. It means you're nearing the end of the flare-up, so don't pick at them.
Does itching mean a cold sore is healing?While cold sore scabs can be painful and itchy, they mean your cold sore outbreak is almost over! Scabbing is the final stage before your skin is healed, and it's best to let your body proceed as normal.
How long do cold sores stay itchy?This will last around 3 days and is when cold sores are most contagious. Stage 4: This is the scabbing phase when scabs form but may crack, bleed, burn, and itch. This phase typically lasts for 2 or 3 days. Stage 5: In the final phase, the cold sore heals completely, and the scab falls off.
Does itching a cold sore make it worse?Cold sore scabs can be very itchy and may crack. Try not to bite or pick at cold sore scabs, as it will make the discomfort worse and could lead to infection.
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