Cold sores are painful blisters caused by an infection with the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Learn more about the causes, risk factors, symptoms, treatment, complications, and prevention of cold sores.

Symptoms of cold sores vary, with the first exposure or primary outbreak usually being the most severe, says Allison Arthur, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Orlando, Florida. First ...

The valacyclovir dose for cold sores is different from the dose for herpes, ... This can help cool off painful cold sore ...

Recognizing early warning signs. This prodromal phase, which occurs before any visible symptoms, is unique to cold sores and provides an opportunity for early intervention with antiviral medications.

The symptoms of a cold sore include a tingling or burning sensation on the lips or around the mouth, followed by the appearance of small, fluid-filled blisters. The blisters may be painful and can ...

Cold sore-causing HSV-1 doesn't just hijack cells it reconfigures the entire architecture of our DNA to aid its invasion.