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.
Frequently asked questions
Are cold sores contagious?
The virus is highly contagious. It can be passed on through close direct contact.
Can you get rid of cold sore?
Once the virus is in your system it is there for life. You cannot cure it and there is no preventative treatment. You can treat it and manage it which can the number of cold sores you get and how severe they are.