What Does a Cold Sore Look Like When it Starts?

A cold sore is caused by a virus called the HSV1, another name for the herpes simplex virus. When a cold sore appears, a small blister will initially form and then it will grow larger. It will break open in a couple of days, and a crust will form on it. While a cold sore is present, it may be sore, red and irritated, and it may itch.

Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2

• The No. 1 cause of cold sores is the herpes simplex virus type 1, but herpes simplex virus type 2 can also cause cold sores to appear on the face and mouth.

Characteristics of Cold Sores

• Symptoms of HSV1 may not appear at first and cold sores may not appear until the facial area is overexposed to the sun or a fever occurs. Cold sores may appear again, many times after that, during times of stress and when the immune system is suppressed, and they often appear in clusters.

Other Names for Cold Sores

• Other names for cold sores are fever blisters and herpes labialis.

Transmission

• Both HSV1 and HSV2 are highly contagious and can be transmitted through contact with the body fluids of an infected person.

Stages of HSV

• The two stages of the herpes simplex virus are the primary stage, with symptoms that include increased temperature, headache, sore throat and a feeling of illness; and the recurrent stage, with the only symptom being cold sores.

Remedies

• Cold sores may heal without treatment, but they should not be subjected to contamination or picked at while they are healing. Prescription medications can be used to heal cold sores, as well as over-the-counter medications.