Cold sores, also known as fever blisters are small painful sores on the outer edges of the mouth and face. Cold sores are caused by the virus which causes herpes. Cold sores have 2 virus strains which are called herpes simplex viruses. There are two similar yet different forms of the herpes simplex virus, one which causes cold sores. The HSV viral infection known as one causes cold sores to appear.Bopth cold sores and genitla herpes look the same.Cold sores and, the other simplex virus both have no remedy but can be managed when they appear. Cold sores tend to go through different phases and may last from one to two weeks. Generally someone may notice that a cold sore will go through different stages.

The first stage of a cold sore consists of tingling in the lip; this generally is a hint as to where a cold sore may soon appear. The cold sore may make someone have a tingling in the lip or may also cause hardness in the lip area. The Second more prevalent and noticeable stage of a cold sore is small blisters which will appear in the area above the lip. These blisters will have clear liquid inside and shouldn't be popped as they will cause much pain. Some cold sore blisters may bond together and form a larger blister which may be more uncomfterable.

Eventually maybe on the fourth or fifth day of a cold sore infection the cold sore will break open leaving a painful red wound. Most people say this is the most painful part of having a cold sore as the wound is right above the lip and is sometimes very large. The cold sore may bleed if hit or scratched at. The days when the cold sore is an open wound is when it is most likely to be passed on, it is best to avoid sharing drinks and kissing as to avoid transmitting the cold sore virus.