Cold Sores

Cold sores are small blisters with a reddish or purple colour that most commonly occur around the mouth. There may be one at a time or a cluster. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 or type 2; however, type 1 is the most common. Symptoms include pain or tingling, and small, painful, fluid-filled blisters on a raised, red, painful area of skin. The scabs generally fall off after eight to ten days. Treatment for cold sores includes antiviral creams or medications, pain relievers, leaving it alone, lysine, vitamin and mineral supplements, herbal therapies, and avoiding irritating foods.