Cold Sores: Common Causes And When To See A Doctor

Find answers to commonly asked questions about cold sores.

What is a Cold Sore?

They are tiny blisters that can develop on the lips or around the mouth. What causes them? The herpes simplex virus strain HSV-1 is normally the culprit. They normally go away after 7-10 days without any treatment.

 

The herpes virus comes in 2 forms

There are two kinds of herpes virus: HSV-1, which is usually not an STD and occurs on the lip, the HSV-2 strain, which usually causes herpes genitalis, this is an STD in the genital area.

Cold Sore Facts – 

The herpes virus comes in 2 forms

There are two kinds of herpes virus: HSV-1, which is usually not an STD and occurs on the lip, the HSV-2 strain, which usually causes herpes genitalis, this is an STD in the genital area.

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