What Are Cold Sores / Fever Blisters?

Cold sores — also called fever blisters — are tiny, fluid-filled lesions that occur on and around your lips. These blisters are often grouped together in patches. After the blisters break, a crust forms over the resulting sore. Cold sores usually heal within two weeks.

TYPES

Oral Herpes
Blisters associated with oral herpes often appear on the lips or around the mouth. In some cases, these sores may form on the face or tongue. Oral herpes tends to last for about two to three weeks.

Genital Herpes
Blisters associated with genital herpes typically appear on or inside the vagina or on the penis, buttocks or anus. The first outbreak of genital herpes tends to last for about two to six weeks.

CAUSES

The herpes simplex virus spreads through skin-to-skin contact or sexual activity. Most people get herpes around their mouth by kissing someone who has the virus or sharing objects such as chapstick, silverware or straws.

Most people get genital herpes from HSV-2. However, if someone has a cold sore and performs oral sex, they could spread HSV-1 to the genitals.

RISK FACTORS

Once someone becomes infected with a herpes virus, the virus stays in the body’s nerve cells forever. However, it often remains in a dormant stage. There are some things that can trigger the virus to become active again, such as:

  • Stress
  • Fever
  • Surgery
  • Menstruation

SYMPTOMS

Many people who acquire herpes may never exhibit signs or symptoms. However, if an outbreak does occur, a person may experience:

  • Tingling, itching or burning before the blisters appear
  • Sores or fluid-filled blisters

Treatment

There’s no cure for HSV infection and the blisters may recur sporadically — often in response to stress or a weakened immune system. Antiviral medications can help cold sores heal more quickly and may reduce the frequency of recurrences.

herpes on lips
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