What are cold sores?

Herpes: Cold sores around the mouth are usually herpes simplex type 1. They can also occasionally be type 2. The sores or ulcers are reactions to the virus replicating in a nerve cell and manifesting on the skin. The fluid inside the sore is full of new virus. See your doctor so you can be prescribed a medication to control the virus.

A lip ulceration: "cold sores" are a laymen's term for herpes labialis. This is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1. An alternative name for the condition is a "fever blister". It is often painful, but not always, may become crusty and is contagious. The condition usually resolves within two weeks but may reside as a life-long virus. Prompt topical and oral treatment may prevent eruption.

Cold Sores: Cold sores are usually caused by hsv (type i or ii) but cold sores are usually cause by type i. Cold sores are contagious and recurrence can be cause by uv light, stress, hormone fluctuation, to fever and sometimes, there is no apparent cause. Go to your doctor for appropriate treatment options such as anti-viral medications.