What Are Cold Sores? - Advanced Dermatology Care
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What Are Cold Sores?

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Cold sores are small blisters caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). A person’s cold sore will last 1–2 weeks before it heals. However, while the cold sore may disappear, the virus that causes cold sores will remain in the body.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 67% of the world’s population under 50 have HSV-1, which is the most common cause of cold sores. Not everyone who carries HSV knows they have it because only 20–40% of people with the virus develop cold sores.

Although HSV-1 is the most common cause of cold sores, HSV-2, which causes genital herpes, may also cause cold sores.

In this blog, we address what cold sores are and how long they typically last.

What is a cold sore?

Cold sores, also known as oral herpes, are small, painful blisters that develop around the mouth.

A cold sore may feel:

  • tender
  • tingly
  • painful
  • swollen

Sometimes, people who develop cold sores will also develop a fever, which is why some people call cold sores “fever blisters.”

A cold sore is not the same as a canker sore. A canker sore is a small, painful bump that always occurs inside the mouth and is not contagious.

How long do cold sores last?

It takes 1–2 weeks for cold sores to heal completely. However, according to Harvard Health Publishing, the virus that causes cold sores remains in the person’s body throughout their life.

HSV may lie dormant for years and cause no symptoms. In some people, the virus will reactivate and cause cold sores. Between 5–10% who get cold sores get them as frequently as five times a year.

Many people contract HSV as children and carry the virus throughout their life.

Treatment

There are no treatments that can cure cold sores outright. Instead, a person can try treatments that reduce symptoms, the frequency of cold sores, and speed healing.

The following over-the-counter (OTC) treatments may help with swelling, soreness, and discomfort:

  • topical cold sore creams
  • patches to protect the sore
  • numbing creams
  • OTC medication to reduce swelling, such as ibuprofen

For severe cases, a doctor may prescribe antiviral medication. A person should start using prescription treatments within 24 hours after symptoms appear.

About

Advanced Dermatology Care of Southern California is a comprehensive dermatology group providing general & surgical dermatology, cosmetic enhancements and plastic surgery with two Southern California locations. Under the direction of Michael P. Tabibian, M.D., Medical Director, our collective experience aims to provide our patients innovative and highly individualized skin treatment solutions for patients of all ages and skin types.