The blisters usually break and form a sore that crusts over. They will generally heal without treatment within a few weeks. This article explores why some people get cold sores frequently, as well as how to treat and prevent them. Once a person contracts the herpes simplex virus HSV-1 , it usually causes an initial outbreak of cold sores. If a person keeps getting cold sores, there may be an underlying cause. Many factors can trigger reactivation and subsequent cold sore outbreaks, including:.
The virus that causes cold sores is extremely contagious, even when a person does not have cold sores. A person can contract or spread HSV-1 through sharing utensils, food, and beverages.
Kissing and engaging in oral sex can also spread the virus. Oral sex may also spread HSV-2, which usually causes genital herpes.
Not everyone who has the virus will have recurrent cold sores. People at most risk of developing recurrent cold sores or other complications from the virus may have a weakened immune system. These individuals include:. Cold sores generally clear up on their own within a few weeks. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website.
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The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. Skip to main content. Mouth and teeth. Home Mouth and teeth. Cold sores. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page.
HSV infection is very common Around 90 per cent of adults have herpes simplex antibodies in their bloodstream, which means that they have been infected with the virus at some time. These can include: fever tiredness blisters lesions and ulcers in and around the mouth swelling pain inside the mouth and on the gums a sore throat swollen neck glands.
Triggers for cold sores In some people the HSV infection causes cold sores, which erupt following a trigger event such as a cold. Other triggers that may cause an attack of cold sores include: feverish illnesses, like influenza, or chest infections sunlight exposure to windy conditions hormonal changes, such as the menstrual period emotional or physical stress.
Cold sore symptoms Cold sores usually develop as follows: Most people experience localised itching and tingling a day or two before the cold sore appears. A collection of small blisters forms. These blisters can be accompanied by pain, tenderness and a sensation of heat and burning. The blisters burst after a few days.
The site develops a crust. The crust dries up and eventually falls off after about 10 days. Cold sore complications Cold sores are an annoying problem for most people who get them, but they get better without any specific treatment. Uncommon complications that require medical attention include: bacterial infections — possible symptoms include redness around the blisters, pus in the blisters and fever cold sores that spread to the eyes, fingers or other parts of the body — a cold sore in the eye causes a painful red eye.
Immediate medical attention should be sought, as the herpes virus causes an ulcer on the cornea that can damage sight. However, permanent damage can usually be prevented by early treatment, including medication to suppress the virus. Children under 5 years old may have cold sores inside their mouths and the lesions are commonly mistaken for canker sores.
Canker sores involve only the mucous membrane and aren't caused by the herpes simplex virus. Cold sores are caused by certain strains of the herpes simplex virus HSV. HSV -1 usually causes cold sores. HSV -2 is usually responsible for genital herpes. But either type can spread to the face or genitals through close contact, such as kissing or oral sex.
Shared eating utensils, razors and towels might also spread HSV Cold sores are most contagious when you have oozing blisters because the virus easily spreads through contact with infected body fluids. But you can spread the virus even if you don't have blisters.
Many people who are infected with the virus that causes cold sores never develop signs and symptoms. Once you've had an episode of herpes infection, the virus lies dormant in nerve cells in your skin and may emerge as another cold sore at the same place as before. Recurrence may be triggered by:.
Cold sores on the lips can be embarrassing and tough to hide. But, turns out, you might not have a reason to be embarrassed. Now, a very small percentage of those people will actually develop cold sores. Pritish Tosh, an infectious diseases specialist at Mayo Clinic, says, genetics determines whether a person will develop cold sores.
The problem is people can spread the herpes virus whether they develop cold sores or not. Herpes virus spreads through physical contact like kissing, sharing a toothbrush — even sharing a drinking glass — or through sexual contact. Almost everyone is at risk of cold sores. Most adults carry the virus that causes cold sores, even if they've never had symptoms. But it can wake up again later from things like:. When the virus reactivates, it can cause tingling and numbness around the mouth before blisters appear.
The herpes simplex virus type 1 HSV-1 causes cold sores. This is a different virus from herpes simplex virus type 2 HSV HSV-2 causes lesions in the genital area called genital herpes. Even though HSV-1 typically causes sores around the mouth and HSV-2 causes genital sores, these viruses can cause sores in either place. People can get HSV-1 by kissing or touching someone with cold sores, or by sharing eating utensils, towels, or other items with an infected person.
Many people with HSV-1 got it as kids during their preschool years. Cold sores usually go away in about 1 to 2 weeks.
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