Date updated: June 01, 2009
Content provided by Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

Also called: Fever Blisters, Recurrent Herpes Labialis

Cold Sore which is also known as Fever Blisters and Recurrent Herpes Labialis, are not exactly similar to canker sores. Though there is no cure for Cold Sore, its frequency and duration can be limited. Cold Sore symptoms include "Small, painful, fluid-filled blisters on a raised, red area of your skin, typically around the mouth, pain or tingling often precedes the blisters by one to two days". The Cold Sore lasts for 10 days. The lips are the most common site for Cold Sores to appear. They also can occur on the nostrils, chin or fingers. The Herpes simplex virus is the causative pathogen. The blisters are formed which break open after some time. A fluid oozes out, a yellowish crust is formed which is finally shed exposing pinkish skin whish is healed without any scar. The disease is contagious and can be spread by close contact with the infected person.Once you've had an episode of herpes infection, the virus lies dormant in the nerve cells in your skin and may emerge again as an active infection at or near the original site. You may experience an itch or heightened sensitivity at the site preceding each attack. Fever, menstruation, stress and exposure to the sun may trigger a recurrence.