Types of Cold Sores

Cold sores are small blisters usually seen on the lips. Also called fever blisters and oral herpes, they are very common and can also appear on the nose, chin and fingers. Cold sores are unsightly, painful and can last for seven to 10 days.

Symptoms

• Cold sore symptoms include fluid-filled blisters that can be painful. You may also experience tingling before the blister appears.

Most Common

• Cold sores are contagious and usually caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1. Cold sores can be passed to another person when there are no symptoms.

Uncommon Types

• Cold sores can also be caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2, which is responsible for genital herpes. This type of cold sore is rare.

Canker Sore

• Canker sores are not cold sores. The two conditions are often confused, but canker sores are ulcers that occur in the soft tissue inside the mouth.

Treatment

• Cold sores can clear up with treatment, but antiviral medicines may help speed the process. They can also be treated with topical lidocaine and benzyl alcohol to ease symptoms. See a doctor if your cold sore does not clear up or respond to the usual treatment.