Cold sores are small blisters that form around the mouth or on the lips. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus. The first attack of the virus may cause a flulike illness. The virus then lies dormant, but it may be reactivated and cause cold sores In many cases, an outbreak of cold sores is preceded by a tingling sensation on the lips.
This is followed by the appearance of small blisters that enlarge and become painful and itchy.
The blisters then burst and become crusty, before gradually disappearing.
Cold sores usually clear up by themselves within about 7 to 10 days. Treatment with an over-the-counter antiviral cream may prevent individual outbreaks if used at the first sign of tingling.
However, it does not eliminate the virus or prevent further attacks.

Othere related diseases

MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM
Molluscum contagiosum is a viral infection that produces shiny, pearly white or flesh- colored pimples on the skin. The pimples are dome-shaped and have a depre...

MOUTH DISEASE
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is an infectious disease (caused by a virus) that mainly affects young children. Symptoms usually develop 3 to 5 days after infect...

PARONYCHIA
Paronychia is an infection of the fold of skin surrounding a nail (the nail fold). It may develop suddenly (acute paronychia) due to a bacterial infection, or g...

PHOTOSENSITIVITY
Photosensitivity is an abnormal reaction of the skin to any ultraviolet light. Exposed areas typically develop a red, often painful rash; small, itchy blisters;...

PILONIDAL SINUS
A pilonidal sinus is a pit in the skin, often containing hairs, in the upper part of the cleft between the buttocks. The cause is probably a broken hair fragmen...

PITYRIASIS ROSEA
Pityriasis rosea is a mild skin condition in which a rash of scaly-edged pink spots or patches appears on the body and upper arms. It mainly affects children an...

PRESSURE SORE
Also known as a bedsore or decubitus ulcer, a pressure sore is an ulcer that develops in pressure spots on the skin of people whose mobility is impaired. Pressu...

PSORIASIS
PSORIASIS Psoriasis is a long-term disorder in which skin cells reproduce too rapidly, causing red, thickened patches. Psoriasis tends to recur in attacks, whic...