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May 18, 2013
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Cold Sores

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Cold Sores Overview

Cold sores are small, painful, fluid-filled blisters or sores that appear on the lips, mouth, or nose that are caused by a virus. The sores can be painful and usually last a few days. Unlike most viral infections, the cold sore virus is not completely eliminated by the body defenses. For this reason, cold sores often recur.

Picture of cold sores
Picture of cold sores; SOURCE: CDC/Dr. Hermann

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Herpes Simplex Infections - Describe Your Experience

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Please describe your experience with herpes simplex infections (cold sores, non-genital).

Herpes Simplex Infections - Treatments

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How were your herpes simples infections (cold sores, non-genital) treated?

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Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Herpes Simplex »

Herpes simplex viruses (HSVs) are DNA viruses that cause acute skin infections and present as grouped vesicles on an erythematous base.

Read More on Medscape Reference »


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