A 49-year-old member asked:
why do cold sores always blister?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Candace Spannanswered
Dermatology 21 years experience
Location of virus: Herpes outbreaks (cold sores) create viral inclusion bodies in the outer layer of skin (the epidermis). The presence of these viral inclusion bodies disrupts the normal architecture of the epidermis, allowing for the formation of blisters.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged

Dr. Michael Fisheranswered
Dermatology 32 years experience
Herpes: Viruses exhibit rapid rates of mutation which can make immunity difficult to sustain, especially considering chemical drugs for herpes contain only a single antiviral agent. Once a cell is infected it is difficult to selectively inhibit the virus without harming the host cell. As a result, much interest has focused on plants as strong allies in restoring immune strength.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged
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Similar questions
NY
A female asked:
Do cold sores always from a blister?
4 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
A 33-year-old member asked:
How are blisters and cold sores different?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Stephen Gordonanswered
Dentistry 43 years experience
Same: If you are referring to "fever blisters" and "cold sores" they are different names for the same thing, caused by virus (herpes).
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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Last updated Aug 7, 2016
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