Cold Sores


Cold sores are groups of small blisters on the lip and around the mouth. The herpes simplex virus usually enters the body through a break in the skin around or inside the mouth. It usually spreads when a person touches a cold sore. Cold sores can also be spread to other areas of the body.

Symptoms of a cold sore are:
Pain around your mouth and lips
A fever, a sore throat, or red swollen glands in your neck or other parts of the body.

Topical creams or ointments, which are available with or without a prescription, can reduce pain, itching, and healing time.

Oral antiviral medications, which are available by prescription only, may be used when the first symptoms appear.

The cold sore eventually bursts and then crusts over and disappears after several days to 2 weeks.

Some people have the virus but don't get cold sores. They have no symptoms.