Cold Sore FAQ

What are cold sores?

They are small blisters that some people get on their lips or around the mouth.  Rarely, they can appear inside the mouth or elsewhere on the body.

Cold sores are red, fluid-filled blisters.  The area around the blister can also turn red.  After a while, a yellow crust will appear as the blister starts to fade, and then the crust will later fade too.  (See the pictures section for some examples.)

What causes cold sores?

Cold sores are caused by a virus called the herpes simplex virus type 1 (this is different than the sexually transmitted type of herpes).  It's spread either through direct physical contact with someone already infected with a cold sore, or indirectly, like by sharing a glass.

Are cold sores contagious?

Again, yes.  However, if someone has been infected and their cold sores are dormant, then they can't spread it, at least for the time being.  So they are only contagious during an outbreak.

How long do cold sores last?

A typical cold sore will last from around 7 to 10 days, and there is sometimes an additional day or two before the cold sore forms where there is a tingling or slightly painful sensation in the area.  But if they are properly treated, the 7 to 10 day timeframe can be sped up.

Do most people get cold sores?

There is no hard data to answer this question, because most people with cold sores never have to see a doctor about them, so their cases go unreported.  Certainly, though, cold sores are very common.

Can cold sores cause genital herpes?

No, even though they are similar viruses, they can't, though it is possible to get cold sores in the genital region.

Are cankers sores the same thing as cold sores?

The symptoms of canker sores--which appear inside of the mouth--are similar, but they are different conditions.  Canker sores are a type of ulcer, and are not caused by a virus like cold sores are.

Can cold sores be a sign of pregnancy?

Sometimes.  Pregnancy can lower the immune system, making it more likely for a cold sore outbreak to occur. 

Does tanning cause cold sores?

Tanning can increase the chances of getting a cold sore, whether from the sun or a tanning bed.

What will quickly cure a cold sore?

There are a lot of medications and products that can increase the healing time.  Abreva is one of the most popular medications, though it's not the only one that works.