infection

Cold sores

A cold sore is a type of herpes 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 lymph nodes. The rash usually heals within ten days, but the virus remains dormant in the trigeminal 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 herpes 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, antivirals by mouth

Complications

·Herpes , herpetic whitlow

Outlook

·Good

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Plain-language summary adapted from Wikipedia. Not medical advice.