Cold Sores

Cold sores usually develop as follows:

• Most people experience localized itching and tingling a day or two before the cold sore appears.
• A collection of small blisters forms.
• These blisters can be accompanied by pain, tenderness, and a sensation of heat and burning.
• The blisters burst after a few days.
• The site develops a crust.
• The crust dries up and eventually falls off after about 10 days.

Often we can diagnose a cold sore by looking at it.

Sometimes we may also swab a cold sore. Fluid from the sore can be examined to find out if you have a herpes virus called the herpes simplex virus (HSV). This is the virus that causes cold sores.

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus. There are two types of the herpes simplex virus. The herpes simplex type 1 virus (HSV-1) usually causes cold sores, and the herpes simplex type 2 virus (HSV-2) usually causes genital herpes.

The actual sores are similar in appearance for both forms of the virus. It’s also possible for HSV-1 to cause sores on the genitals and for HSV-2 to cause sores on the mouth.

Visible cold sores are contagious, but they may be spread even when they can’t be seen. You can get the herpes simplex virus by coming in contact with people with the herpes simplex virus.

While cold sores sometimes go away on their own some cases can require prescription medication. 

Antiviral medication: Cold sores are caused by a virus, so antiviral medications are used to treat them. Medications can come in the form of topical cream applied directly to the cold sores or oral medication.