Cold soresalso known as fever blistersare notcausedby thecommon coldbut they are related.
They are resulting from a different throw in of virus known asherpes.
However, it is possible for either virus to cause sores in either area.
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Not everyone will experience symptoms though.
Then, the small blisters that are filled with fluid form somewhere around the edge of your lips.
They may also appear around the nose or cheeks.
The blister will then burst and ooze fluid until they crust over after a few days.
The scabbed area should disappear within two weeks.
If you carry HSV-1, you may experience cold sore “breakouts” throughout your life.
Treatment
Most cold sores do not requiretreatment.
They will go away on their own within two weeks.
There are over-the-counter (OTC) treatments that may help with your symptoms.
If the infection is widespread and severe, it may require IV treatment and hospitalization.
Alternative therapies may be used to have a go at treat cold sores as well.
People with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for complications from cold sores than others.
You should avoid contact with others while blisters are presentespecially kissing and sharing food or eating utensils.
Be careful about touching other parts of your body when blisters are present as the virus can spread.
This can be very dangerous, especially if it gets into the eyes.
The virus attacks the cells around the mouth, causing a red and inflamed sore.
Fever blisters are due to the herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1).
Once you contract the virus it stays in your system and can lay dormant for years.
Physical or emotional stress can trigger the virus to reactivate causing a breakout.
This can contribute to a fever blister outbreak.
A pimple near the mouth can be confused with a cold sore, but there are a few differences.
If it is on your lip, it is a cold sore.
You cannot get a pimple on your lip.
A pimple forms a red bump, but not a blister.
A cold sore is a cluster of tiny blisters.
Pimples can hurt, whereas cold sores tingle and burn.
A pimple will clear up after a few days, but a cold sore will crust over.
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2012;53(1):6-11. doi:10.1016/j.jcv.2011.08.003
