Cold sores, or fever blisters, are a common viral infection usually caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), though HSV-2 can also cause them through oral-genital contact.

They are highly contagious, spreading through direct contact like kissing, or indirect contact via shared items such as towels, utensils, or lip balm. Touching a sore and then another body part can also spread the virus.

An outbreak typically follows stages: tingling or itching a day or two before appearance, blister formation near the lips, rupture into painful sores, and eventual scabbing. While sores heal in 7–10 days, the virus remains dormant and can reactivate.

Triggers include stress, sun exposure, hormonal changes, illness, and a weakened immune system. There’s no cure, but antiviral pills like acyclovir or valacyclovir can shorten outbreaks. Continues…