Cold sores are small, fluid-filled blisters that usually appear on or around the lips and mouth. They can appear on their own or in small clusters. In most cases, the blisters will break, creating a scab that eventually falls off. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 HSV
Back to Health A to Z. Cold sores are common and usually clear up on their own within 10 days. But there are things you can do to help ease the pain. Cold sores should start to heal within 10 days, but are contagious and may be irritating or painful while they heal. Some people find that certain things trigger a cold sore, such as another illness, sunshine or periods. Cold sores are contagious from the moment you first feel tingling or other signs of a cold sore coming on to when the cold sore has completely healed.
Approximately 50 percent of the adult population in the United States has oral herpes, typically caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 HSV Most people contract oral herpes when they are children by receiving a kiss from a friend or relative. For some, symptoms may appear between the upper lip, on or inside the nose, or on the chin or cheek.
Skip navigation! Story from Sex. Cory Stieg. Pesky little cold sores love to sprout up at the most inconvenient times, huh?