Cold Sores

 

Causes: Cold sores are caused by the herpes virus type 1.

Symptoms:

• Blister-like sore around the lips and chin and sometimes under the nose
• Occur after a fever, sunburn, skin abrasion or emotionally upsetting moment

 

Diagnosis and Treatment: Cold sores come from an initial infection (primary herpes) that stays in the body forever. The virus may never become active for some people with the infection but others will continue to have outbreaks. There is no direct treatment for cold sores but temporary relief may come through over-the-counter topical anesthetics. Normally, a cold sore will heal within a week.