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HOME / Featured Conditions / COLD SORES (HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS)
Cold sores
(herpes simplex virus)
Cold sores (or fever blisters) are known as a viral infection. They are tiny blisters that form on or around lips and are often seen as patches of blisters. When a blister opens, scabs can form. Usually cold sores heal in 2 to 3 weeks without leaving a scar.1
Cold sores (or fever blisters) are known as a viral infection. They are tiny blisters that form on or around lips and are often seen as patches of blisters. When a blister opens, scabs can form. Usually cold sores heal in 2 to 3 weeks without leaving a scar.1
Symptoms
A cold sore usually passes through several stages:1
In a first-time outbreak, you also might experience:1
Treatment
Cold sores often clear up without treatment within 2 to 4 weeks. Your doctor might prescribe antiviral medicine that may speed the healing process. Treatment may include:1
medications
creams and ointments
InjectionS
If you think you might have a cold sore, talk to your doctor or dermatologist.
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LEARN MOREReference: 1. Cold Sore. Mayo Clinic. January 5, 2024; accessed April 30, 2025: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cold-sore/symptoms-causes/syc-20371017