Also called fever blisters, cold sores typically form around the lips, though they sometimes appear in the mouth or on the cheeks, nose, or fingers. The sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus, which can be transmitted through kissing, sharing eating utensils, drinking from the same glass, drying your face with the same towel, or sharing the same face makeup as a person with the virus. After infection, the cold sore may take up to 20 days to appear. Once it develops, the sore can take 7 to 10 days to heal.

Some people develop antibodies to the virus after contracting it for the first time, and they never get cold sores again. Others have repeated episodes of cold sores, usually on or near the original site. Recurrences are usually milder than the Initial infection and are sparked by sun exposure, extreme stress, menstruation, or an illness that is accompanied by a fever. Herpes simplex can cause serious illness in some children. The virus can only be transmitted by close personal contact such as kissing. Most people will have come into contact with the virus between the ages of three and five but will not show any symptoms until after puberty.

Signs and Symptoms

Red, painful area of skin, usually around the outside edge of the mouth, that is covered by one or more small, fluid-filled blisters that eventually drain and form a hard, yellow scab.

How are cold sores diagnosed?

A combination of the patient's medical history and the appearance of the sores will usually be sufficient for a diagnosis. A scrape or a blood sample can be used to confirm it.

Conventional Medical Treatment

Physicians or dermatologists can diagnose a cold sore by examining the area. They may also take a blood test or a culture of material from your sore in order to establish the presence of herpes simplex virus.

Treatment consists of icing the area to relieve pain and keeping your hands off the sores. The virus can spread from your hands to your cornea, which in turn, can lead to blindness. You should also avoid contact with infants or anyone who has atopic dermatitis. In particular, avoid people who are using an immune system suppression medication, such as cancer patients and organ transplant patients, or those with AIDS, since herpes simplex virus can cause a life-threatening condition in people with suppressed immune systems.

Depending on the severity of the outbreak, your physician may prescribe an antiviral ointment or oral medication.