Cold sores are a symptom of the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Over half the adults globally currently have HSV.² However, not everyone who carries the HSV virus will develop cold sores.

The early warning signs that a cold sore is developing include:³

• Burning.

• Itching.

• Stinging.

• Tingling and the skin feels a little numb.

• Throbbing.

Cold sores are painful, fluid-filled blisters that most commonly form on the lips or around the mouth. The sores can appear other places on the face. Within 48 hours of the warning signs, the blister will often break open and scab over.

The sores can take anywhere from 5 to 15 days to heal.

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Once infected with the virus, it lives within you for the rest of your life. Most people contract HSV in childhood.⁴

A cold sore can be triggered by a number of things including:⁵

• Hot sun.

• Cold wind.

• A cold or other illness.

• A weak immune system.

• Stress.

Cold sores appear in three main stages. Individuals may not experience all three stages.⁶

1. Warning symptoms. These can occur a day or two before the cold sore develops. On the skin where the cold sore may appear individuals can experience burning, itching, stinging, tingling, numbness, or throbbing.

2. Cold sore appears. A painful, fluid-filled blister(s) appears, usually on the lips or around the mouth.

3. Sore crusts over. Typically within 48 hours of warning symptoms, the blister will split open, ooze fluid, and then form a scab. For healthy individuals, a cold sore will heal in 5 to 15 days.

Cold sores and genital herpes are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Oral cold sores are usually caused by HSV-1 strain and genital herpes are generally caused by the HSV-2 strain of the virus.⁷

Cold sores primarily appear on the lips or around the mouth on cheeks, chin, and nose. A cold sore inside the mouth is likely a canker sore and not caused by HSV.⁸

In some individuals, the cold sores can spread to the eyes, fingertips, or widespread across the skin.⁹

Cold sores will resolve in 5 to 15 days in individuals with no complications and a functioning immune system.¹⁰

Yes, cold sores and HSV are highly contagious. It can be spread from person to person through direct contact or sharing objects.¹¹

Generally, cold sores will appear on the lips or around the mouth. In individuals with atopic dermatitis (eczema), cold sores can become widespread across the body. This can be a dangerous condition and should be examined by a medical professional immediately.¹²

Yes, once you have contracted it, the HSV virus remains in your body for life. It will lay dormant in the system until it is triggered. Some people can carry the virus and never develop a cold sore. While others may experience cold sore outbreaks multiple times throughout their lives.¹³

Cold sores occur on the outside the body, primarily on the lips, and are caused by HSV. Canker sores occur inside the mouth and are caused by acute conditions like injuries to the inside of your mouth, vitamin deficiencies, stress, hormonal changes, food allergies, and health conditions that affect your immune system.¹⁴

Fever blisters is a non-scientific term for cold sores. Both terms are describing the same condition.¹⁵

No, there is no cure for the virus that causes cold sores. Treatment should be aimed at preventing or healing the cold sore outbreak.¹⁶

Yes, in healthy people cold sores will heal on their own in one to two weeks.¹⁷

To prevent HSV, avoid coming into contact with a person who has a cold sore breakout. Avoid touching or sharing items with an infected person. Always wash your hands before touching your eyes, lips, or genitals.

If you have already come into contact with or contracted HSV, you can take steps to minimize the risk of an outbreak by staying healthy, getting enough rest, and using an SPF lip balm.¹⁸

1. WHO

2. WHO

3. American Academy of Dermatology

4. American Academy of Dermatology

5. John Hopkins

6. American Academy of Dermatology

7. John Hopkins

8. Cleveland Clinic

9. Mayo Clinic

10. American Academy of Dermatology

11. Mayo Clinic

12. Mayo Clinic

13. American Academy of Dermatology

14. Cleveland Clinic

15. John Hopkins

16. Cleveland Clinic

17. Cleveland Clinic

18. Cleveland Clinic

Cold sores will generally resolve on their own in healthy individuals. Treatments can shorten healing time and help manage uncomfortable symptoms. Treatment options for cold sores include:¹⁹

• Over-the-counter (OTC) topical medications. Creams or lotions with topical anesthetics or anti-inflammatory agents may help with symptoms.

• Topical prescription antiviral treatments like acyclovir (Zovirax®) and penciclovir (Denavir®).

• Oral prescription antiviral treatments like acyclovir (Zovirax®), famciclovir (Famvir®) and valacyclovir (Valtrex®).

Cold sores can be treated at home with OTC topical medications. There are a few home remedies that can improve cold sore symptoms like:²⁰

• Lip balms or creams. Keeping lips moisturized can help with drying or cracking.

• A wet compress. Applying a cold or warm damp cloth may ease symptoms and pain.

• Nonprescription pain relievers.

With RedBox Rx, you can get a prescription for cold sore treatment online from the comfort of your home. If prescribed, medication is shipped directly to you.

Cold sores should clear up on their own within five to 15 days. If you have a cold sore that lasts longer than 15 days, please contact your provider.²¹

Cold sores are contagious at least until the sore is scabbed over. Avoid contact with others until all sores have healed.²²

Medications prescribed for cold sores are antivirals that can suppress HSV. They come in two formats:²³

• Topical prescription antiviral treatments like acyclovir (Zovirax®) and penciclovir (Denavir®).

• Oral prescription antiviral treatments like acyclovir (Zovirax®), famciclovir (Famvir®) and valacyclovir (Valtrex®).

A popular OTC medication for cold sores is docosonal (Abreva®) topical cream. It’s the first cold sore medication that was FDA-approved for nonprescription use.²⁴

Telehealth providers, like RedBox Rx, allow you to connect with a licensed medical provider anywhere you have an internet connection. If prescribed, we can ship prescription treatment for cold sores to all 50 United States, or you can select pick up at your local pharmacy. Start a free online consult today.

19. John Hopkins

20. Mayo Clinic

21. American Academy of Dermatology

22. Cleveland Clinic

23. John Hopkins

24. Journal of the American Dental Association

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