What is a cold sore?
A cold sore is a skin infection that is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Cold sores usually occur on or around the lips or nose and are very common. They have nothing to do with colds. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex type 1 virus. Most people carry this virus in their bodies.
What are the symptoms of a cold sore?
Cold sores can differ based on which part of your body they appear on. You can develop a cold sore on one or more of the following parts: The initial cold sore symptom is a burning sensation on your skin that indicates the sore may be forming. When the cold sore (or sores) do form, you may experience the following symptoms:
Can you get cold sores if you're infected?
Cold sores are most likely to show up on the outside of your mouth and lips, but you can also get them on your nose and cheeks. You may get cold sores as late as 20 days after you’re infected. The sore might appear near where the virus entered your body. You have a tingling, burning, or itching feeling. About 12-24 hours later, blisters form.
Can a cold sore cause an infection?
People with a history of cold sores may shed the virus in their saliva even without a blister being present. Sometimes these viruses can cause infections of the eyes, hands or brain, and may cause severe illness in pregnant women or people whose immune systems are weakened.
What do cold sores look like?
Cold sores, or fever blisters, are groups of small blisters on the lip and around the mouth. The skin around the blisters is often red, swollen, and sore. Photo credit: Courtesy of the CDC Cold sores are most likely to show up on the outside of your mouth and lips, but you can also get them on your nose and cheeks.
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