Font Size
A
A
A


Cold Sores

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.



Next: Cold Sore Causes »

Viewer Comments & Reviews

Herpes Simplex Infections (Cold Sores, Non-Genital) - Describe Your Experience

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

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

Anonymously share your comment to help others. Viewer Comments FAQs
See 23 Viewer Comments & Reviews

Submit Your Review


Printer-Friendly Format  |  Email to a Friend

Women's Health

Find out what women really need.

Are You Depressed? Take the Quiz


Read What Your Physician is Reading on eMedicine

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 eMedicine »

Medical Dictionary