Cold Sores Also called: Fever blister, Oral herpes Summary Cold sores are caused by a contagious virus called herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of HSV. Type 1 usually causes oral herpes, or cold sores. Type 1 herpes virus infects more than half of the U.S. population by the time they reach their 20s. Type 2 usually affects the genital area Some people have no symptoms from the infection. But others develop painful and unsightly cold sores. Cold sores usually occur outside the mouth, on or around the lips. When they are inside the mouth, they are usually on the gums or the roof of the mouth. They are not the same as canker sores, which are not contagious. There is no cure for cold sores. They normally go away on their own in a few weeks. Antiviral medicines can help them heal faster. They can also help to prevent cold sores in people who often get them. Other medicines can help with the pain and discomfort of the sores. These include ointments that numb the blisters, soften the crusts of the sores, or dry them out. Protecting your lips from the sun with sunblock lip balm can also help. Related Issues Can You Get Genital Herpes from a Cold Sore? Nemours Foundation Find an Expert Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Herpes Labialis National Institutes of Health Start Here Cold Sore Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Cold Sores Academy of General Dentistry Teenagers Cold Sores (HSV-1) Nemours Foundation Images Cold Sores (Orofacial Herpes) Logical Images Oral Herpes National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research Children Coping with Cold Sores Nemours Foundation Herpes Simplex Virus (Cold Sores) American Academy of Pediatrics Array Herpes – oral Herpetic stomatitis Mouth sores Journal Articles Cold Sores
