Cold sores - meaning and definition
Alsooral herpesfever blistersherpes labialiscold sorefever blisteroral HSV-1
Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.
Definition
Cold sores are small blisters around the lips caused by the herpes simplex virus, most often type 1, and are extremely common.
At a glance
- Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus, most often type 1.
- Most people pick up the virus in childhood through ordinary contact such as kissing.
- Blisters usually crust and heal within about ten days.
- The virus can pass to a partner's genitals during oral sex.
- Cold sores are common and not a sign of poor hygiene.
In detail
Most people pick up the herpes simplex virus in childhood through ordinary contact such as kissing. The virus stays in the body and can reactivate from time to time as tingling, then blisters that crust and heal within about ten days.
The virus can pass to a partner's genitals during oral sex, which is one way genital herpes is acquired. It is most contagious when a blister is present, so avoiding kissing and oral sex during an outbreak lowers the risk.
Antiviral creams or tablets can shorten outbreaks. Cold sores are a normal, common condition and not a sign of poor hygiene.
In a sentence
- I can feel a cold sore coming, so I will skip kissing for a few days.
- The pharmacist suggested an antiviral cream for her cold sore.
Where the word comes from
The name reflects the old observation that the blisters often appear when someone has a cold or fever, which is also why they are sometimes called "fever blisters".
Not to be confused with
- Mouth ulcers
Mouth ulcers appear inside the mouth, are not caused by herpes and are not contagious.
Common questions
Are cold sores the same as herpes?
Yes, cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus, usually type 1. It is the same family of virus that can cause genital herpes, and it can pass between the mouth and genitals during oral sex.
When are cold sores most contagious?
They are most contagious when a blister is present. Avoiding kissing and oral sex during an outbreak lowers the risk of passing the virus on. A pharmacist or doctor can advise on treatment.