What Are Cold Sores? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Cold sores are small, painful blisters that typically form on or near the lips. These tiny fluid-filled blisters are sometimes called fever blisters or oral herpes, notes the Mayo Clinic. (1gydF4y2Ba的）gydF4y2Ba

Cold sores are highly contagious and can spread through saliva or skin contact. It’s a common condition, with some people experiencing their first outbreak during childhood, according to TeensHealth. (2gydF4y2Ba的）gydF4y2Ba

There's no cure for cold sores, but the good news is that many cold sores usually go away on their own in a week or two and don’t leave a trace. (1)

To relieve pain and accelerate healing, medications and home remedies can help, says the Mayo Clinic. (3.gydF4y2Ba的）gydF4y2Ba

Symptoms of cold sores vary, with the first exposure or primary outbreak usually being the most severe, saysAllison Arthur, MD是佛罗里达州奥兰多的董事会认证皮肤科医生。gydF4y2Ba

根据美国皮肤科学院的说法，首次冷疱疹症状可能包括：（gydF4y2Ba4.gydF4y2Ba的）gydF4y2Ba

• Painful blisters on the lips, cheeks, mouth, nose, or throat (which eventually pop and form scabs)
• Gingivostomatitis
• 嘴巴和喉咙痛gydF4y2Ba
• Swelling in the neck
• Fever and body aches

你仍然有痛苦的水疱，具有复发性爆发，但更严重的症状，就像身体疼痛和发烧，不太可能返回。gydF4y2Ba

It’s important to note that while cold sores typically form outside of the mouth, these sorescanform inside the mouth during your first outbreak. This is known as acute herpetic gingivostomatitis. (4) For this reason, you might initially mistake a first-time cold sore for a canker sore.溃疡疮gydF4y2Ba是gydF4y2Baulcersthat form on the mucous membranes inside the mouth or on the tongue, per the Mayo Clinic. (5.gydF4y2Ba的）gydF4y2Ba

在您首次感染单纯疱疹病毒（HSV）后，寒冷的疼痛可以随时发展。您也可能会注意到在泡罩出现之前的一两天内爆发的早期迹象。gydF4y2Ba

Early寒冷疼痛的症状gydF4y2Bamay include: (4)

• Pain
• Burning
• Tingling
• Itching

泡罩出现在第一个症状的24至48小时内。几天后，泡罩将爆裂和渗出脓液。然后将形成泡罩。（4）gydF4y2Ba

了解有关唇疱疹的迹象和症状的更多信息gydF4y2Ba

Cold Sore vs. Canker Sore: What’s the Difference?

You may mistake a cold sore for a canker sore, but these bumps have key differences, including their:

Appearance溃疡疮是painful red or white bumps that typically form on the gums, inside the lips or cheek, or on the tongue. Unlike cold sores, they don't blister or scab.

ContagiousnessUnlike cold sores, canker sores aren't caused by herpes and they aren't contagious. So while it is possible to spread a cold sore to someone through kissing or sharing eating utensils, this isn’t the case with a canker sore. (5)

CauseCold sores are commonly caused byHSV-1但是gydF4y2Bacause of a canker soreis unknown. Factors that may contribute to a canker sore include a family history of canker sores, injury to the mouth, a weak immune system, or avitamin deficiency。（5.的）gydF4y2Ba

了解有关寒冷溃疡和溃疡疮之间的差异gydF4y2Ba

唇疱疹是由单纯疱疹病毒（HSV）引起的。（1）gydF4y2Ba

There are two types of HSV. Most cold sores are caused by type 1 (HSV-1). Type 2 (HSV-2) usually affects the genital area, but it can also cause cold sores around the mouth, says Dr. Arthur. (2)

This can happen after oral sex with someone who hasgenital herpes， 要么if you kiss someone who has HSV-2 cold sores around their mouth.

Upward of 90 percent of adults have the virus that causes a cold sore, and these individuals are often infected in childhood after being kissed by someone with the virus. (1)

Cold sores can be found on or around the lips, but some people also get sores on the cheek, or around the nose and the eyes. (1)

Once you’re infected with HSV-1, the virus travels to your nerves and stays in your body for life. The virus can lie inactive or dormant, so some people infected with HSV-1 never get a cold sore. In fact, some people don’t even know that they’re infected with the virus because they never have symptoms. (4)

Unfortunately, you can still pass the virus to others even when you don’t have visible symptoms of a cold sore, according to NHS Inform. (6.gydF4y2Ba的）gydF4y2Ba

当病毒在身体中唤醒时，会出现唇疱疹。gydF4y2Ba

某些因素可以引发这种觉醒并导致爆发，注意到AAD。（gydF4y2Ba7.gydF4y2Ba的）gydF4y2Ba

这些触发包括：gydF4y2Ba

• A viral infection or fever
• Hormonalchanges
• Stress
• Fatigue
• Exposure to sun and wind
• Changes in the immune system

Sometimes, a cold sore has unknown triggers.

了解有关唇疱疹的原因：常见风险因素和更多gydF4y2Ba

寒冷的疼痛在家是可治疗的，所以大多数人都没有看到医生。然而，在某些条件下，严重的寒冷疼痛可能需要访问您的家庭医生或皮肤科医生。（3）gydF4y2Ba

医生通常可以诊断疱疹by looking at the lesion. More rarely, your doctor may take a fluid sample from the cold sore to see if you have HSV. (3)

Prognosis of Cold Sores

There's no cure for cold sores, nor is there a cure for the virus that causes a cold sore. (1) Once you're infected, the virus stays in your body for life.

But even with recurrence, in healthy individuals the prognosis for a cold sore is typically good and complications are rare, unless you are immunocompromised.

首次疱疹通常持续10到14哒ys. Later outbreaks might last this long, or they might heal sooner, as soon as within five days. (4)

许多治疗有助于寒冷的疼痛爆发。gydF4y2Ba

Medication Options

因为唇疱疹是由病毒引起的，所以第一行防线是过度反对的抗病毒gydF4y2BaAbreva（Docosanol）gydF4y2Bato help your body fight the virus and reduce the duration of an outbreak. (3) This medication is most effective when taken at the first sign of tingling and itching. (6)

Additionally, use an over-the-counter oral pain reliever, such aslidocaine那gydF4y2Babenzocaine (Orajel)那gydF4y2Badibucaine， 要么gydF4y2Babenzyl alcohol那to relieve cold sore pain and inflammation. (3) Apply ointments and creams directly to the cold sore as directed. Other pain relief options include a cool compress, or takeibuprofen (Advil)那gydF4y2Ba阿司匹林gydF4y2Ba， 要么gydF4y2Baacetaminophen (Tylenol)。（2那3.的）gydF4y2Ba

If a cold sore doesn’t respond to over-the-counter treatment, ask your doctor about a prescription antiviral to shorten the duration of an outbreak. If you have frequent outbreaks, you may need an antiviral daily to suppress the virus and control symptoms. (8.gydF4y2Ba的）You can also ask about the topical therapyDenavir (penciclovir)根据Medline Plus的说法，可用于缩短寒冷疼痛爆发的持续时间。（gydF4y2Ba9.gydF4y2Ba的）To use, you typically apply it every two hours while awake, for four days.

Alternative and Complementary Therapies

Other tips to reduce an outbreak include getting plenty of rest, managing stress, and wearingsunscreento protect against strong sun exposure. (7)

替代疗法也可能缓解寒冷疼痛，尽管需要更多的研究。根据过去的研究，研究人员发现大黄和鼠尾草的组合具有相同的愈合效果gydF4y2Baacyclovir那a topical antiviral commonly used to treat herpes infections. (10.gydF4y2Ba的）gydF4y2Ba

Additionally, research published in 2018 in综合医学gydF4y2Bafound that 3 percent propolis ointment applied to areas affected by HSV-1 reduced symptoms of infection by three to four days. Propolis is a compound produced by bees. Participants applied the ointment four to five times a day for 10 days. (11.gydF4y2Ba的）gydF4y2Ba

Learn More About Treatment for Cold Sores: Medication, Complementary Therapies, and More

Prevention of Cold Sores

Cold sores are highly contagious, but you can protect yourself. Since the virus can spread through close personal contact, it's important that you don't share personal items with anyone — especially during an outbreak, notes the Cleveland Clinic. (12.gydF4y2Ba的）gydF4y2Ba

Personal items include clothes, makeup, razors, and towels. You should also avoid sharing food and drinks with others.

Keep in mind, too, cold sores can spread to other parts of the body. So if you have an outbreak, avoid touching your cold sore with your hands. After applying creams or ointments over a cold sore, wash your hands immediately with warm soap and water. (1)

如果您在夏天俯卧，阳光可能是触发器。使用SPF保护佩戴保湿唇膏，以帮助防止爆发。（7）gydF4y2Ba

See a doctor if you have cold sore complications. This includes a cold sore that spreads to different parts of your body, such as your eyes or fingers. Additionally, see a doctor if you have a weak immune system. (2)

“免疫因素的人[免疫因素削弱了免疫系统gydF4y2BaHIVor medications following organ transplantation] can develop severe outbreaks and have frequent episodes of cold sores,” says Arthur.

如果你的身体无法对抗病毒，它也可以传播到你的脊髓和大脑。（1）如果你有gydF4y2Baeczema那there's also the risk of cold sores spreading across your body. (1)

据估计，超过14岁和49岁的美国人的一半是导致唇疱疹的病毒。在被感染者亲吻后，许多人在童年中获得病毒。（7）gydF4y2Ba

Some people with the virus never have an outbreak, whereas others have frequent outbreaks throughout their life. Fortunately, cold sores occur less often with age. Outbreaks tend to slow down after the age of 35. (7)

Cold sores have been associated with other conditions and health problems. For example, if you have a weakened immune system, certain illnesses might trigger an outbreak. These illnesses include: (12)

• Common cold
• 流感gydF4y2Ba
• 肺炎gydF4y2Ba
• 尿路感染gydF4y2Ba
• Cancer

Skin conditions like eczema andpsoriasis也让你有风险爆发。因为波动激素水平可以引发爆发，但在怀孕或怀孕时可能会发出寒冷的疼痛gydF4y2Bamenstruating。（12的）gydF4y2Ba

Favorite Resources for Essential Cold Sore Information

美国皮肤科学院（AAD）gydF4y2Ba

The AAD provides a comprehensive overview of cold sores ranging from symptoms to self-care. There's an information section for parents, as well as information on public health programs. Use the “find a dermatology” tool to locate a doctor in your area.

Cleveland Clinic

This is another helpful tool to find useful information related to cold sores. The Cleveland Clinic doesn’t only offer advice on treatments, but also advice on prevention and living with cold sores. Use the online tool to chat with a representative or schedule an appointment.

For more on connecting with a dermatologist online, check out our article “Why You Shouldn’t Skip Your Dermatology Appointment During COVID-19。”

Mayo Clinic

The Mayo Clinic provides straightforward information about cold sores. The site features general information such as symptoms, treatments, and prevention. You’ll also find guidelines on when to see a doctor, and tips on how to prepare for an appointment.

MedlinePlus.gydF4y2Ba

MedlinePlus为唇疱疹提供了丰富的资源。您将找到症状和治疗的一般信息，以及与临床试验，期刊文章和患者讲义的链接。gydF4y2Ba

Favorite Online Support Network

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Support groups are an excellent way to get advice and connect with those who understand your condition. Join the Drugs.com support group to ask questions and find the latest information related to oral herpes.