About Us | Privacy | Site Map
May 25, 2013
Font Size
A
A
A

Cold Sores (cont.)

Medical Author:
Medical Author:
Medical Author:
Medical Author:
Medical Editor:

Cold Sore Symptoms and Signs

  • Some patients have a "prodrome," which is when certain symptoms occur before the actual sores appear. The prodrome to herpes infections typically involves a burning or tingling sensation that precedes the appearance of blisters by a few hours or a day or two. As the cold sore forms, the area may become reddened and develop small fluid-filled blisters. Several of these small blisters may even come together and form one large blister. Cold sores are mildly painful.


  • When cold sores recur, the blisters stage is usually short. Blisters dry up rapidly and leave scabs that last anywhere from a day to several days, depending on the severity of the infection.

Must Read Articles Related to Cold Sores

Colds
Colds The cold is the most commonly occurring illness in the entire world, with more than 1 billion colds per year reported in the United States alone. Symptoms and s...learn more >>
Stress
Stress Everyone is familiar with stress. We experience it in varying forms and degrees every day. In small doses, stress can actually be beneficial to us. Stress sympt...learn more >>
Sunburn (Sun Poisoning)
Sunburn Sunburn is a burn on the skin caused by UV radiation. Mild sunburn symptoms include skin redness and pain. Severe cases of sunburn (sun poisoning) are complicat...learn more >>

Viewer Comments & Reviews

Herpes Simplex Infections - Describe Your Experience

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

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

Herpes Simplex Infections - Treatments

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

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

Women's Health

Find out what women really need.

Please acknowledge your agreement




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 »


Medical Dictionary


Use Pill Finder Find it Now

Pill Identifier on RxList

  • quick, easy,
    pill identification

Find a Local Pharmacy

  • including 24 hour, pharmacies