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Summary
Cold sores are caused by a contagious virus called herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of HSV. Type 1 usually causes oral herpes, or cold sores. Type 1 herpes virus infects more than half of the U.S. population by the time they reach their 20s. Type 2 usually affects the genital area.
Some people have no symptoms from the infection. But others develop painful and unsightly cold sores. Cold sores usually occur outside the mouth, on or around the lips. When they are inside the mouth, they are usually on the gums or the roof of the mouth. They are not the same as canker sores, which are not contagious.
There is no cure for cold sores. They normally go away on their own in a few weeks. Antiviral medicines can help them heal faster. They can also help to prevent cold sores in people who often get them. Other medicines can help with the pain and discomfort of the sores. These include ointments that numb the blisters, soften the crusts of the sores, or dry them out. Protecting your lips from the sun with sunblock lip balm can also help.
- Cold Sore (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in Spanish
-
Fever Blisters & Canker Sores
(National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research)
Also in Spanish
Related Issues
- Can You Get Genital Herpes from a Cold Sore? (Nemours Foundation)
Images
- Cold Sores (Orofacial Herpes) (VisualDX)
Clinical Trials
-
ClinicalTrials.gov: Herpes Labialis
(National Institutes of Health)
Journal Articles References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
- Article: Therapeutic effects of acyclovir and acyclovir-clobetasol nanofibers vs. cream formulation for...
- Article: Efficacy of adjuvant photobiomodulation therapy in recurrent herpes labialis, a randomized...
- Article: Clinical guidelines for herpes labialis: recommendations and quality evaluation according to...
- Cold Sores -- see more articles
Children
- Cold Sores (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish
- Cold Sores in Children: About the Herpes Simplex Virus (American Academy of Pediatrics) Also in Spanish
Teenagers
- Cold Sores (HSV-1) (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish
Patient Handouts
- Herpes - oral (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
- Herpetic stomatitis (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
- Mouth sores (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.