infection
Cold sores
A cold sore is a type of caused by the herpes simplex virus that affects primarily the lip. Symptoms typically include a burning pain followed by small blisters or sores. The first attack may also be accompanied by fever, sore throat, and enlarged nodes. The rash usually heals within ten days, but the virus remains dormant in the ganglion. The virus may periodically reactivate to create another outbreak of sores in the mouth or lip.
Underlined words are explained — tap any of them.
Symptoms — what it feels like
- ·Burning pain followed by small blisters or sores
Causes — why it happens
- ·Typically simplex virus type 1 (direct contact)
How it's found
- ·Usually based on symptoms
Prevention
- ·Avoiding exposure, antiviral medication
Treatment
- ·Zinc oxide, anesthetic, or antiviral cream, by mouth
Complications
- · , herpetic whitlow
Outlook
- ·Good
More in Mouth & Teeth
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See all of Mouth & Teeth →Plain-language summary adapted from Wikipedia. Not medical advice.