Cold Sores
- Cold Sores Overview
- Cold Sore Causes
- Cold Sore Symptoms
- When to Seek Medical Care
- Exams and Tests
- Cold Sore Treatment
- Self-Care at Home
- Medical Treatment
- Next Steps
- Follow-up
- Prevention
- Outlook
- Synonyms and Keywords
- Authors and Editors
- Related cold sores articles:
Cold sores - on WebMD
Cold sores - on MedicineNet - Viewer Comments: Herpes Simplex Infections (Cold Sores, Non-Genital) - Describe Your Experience
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.
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Viewer Comments & Reviews
Herpes Simplex Infections (Cold Sores, Non-Genital) - Describe Your Experience
Please describe your experience with herpes simplex infections (cold sores, non-genital).
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Herpes Simplex »
Herpes simplex viruses (HSVs) are DNA viruses that cause acute skin infections and present as grouped vesicles on an erythematous base.
Cold Sores
Genital Herpes Overview
Genital herpes is a common, highly infectious disease caused by a virus. It is transmitted from one person to another during sexual activity. Genital herpes causes blisters or groups of small ulcers (open sores) on and around the genitals in both men and women. Genital herpes cannot be cured; however, there are medications that can be prescribed to treat outbreaks and minimize the symptoms.
- Genital herpes is extremely widespread, largely because it is so contagious. Carriers can transmit the disease without having any symptoms of an active infection.
- At least 45 million Americans are infected with the genital herpes virus, with approximately one million new infections each year. As many as 80%-90% of those infected fail to recognize genital herpes symptoms or have no symptoms at all.
- The highest rates of infection are seen among the poor, those with less education, those...
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