Cold sores are painful lumps or blisters on the face. They're caused by a virus and are very contagious.
A cold sore usually starts with a tingling, itching or burning feeling. Over the next day or 2, a painful lump or blister will appear on your face.
Treatments for cold sores include antiviral creams and cold sore patches you can get from a pharmacy.
A cold sore usually starts with a tingling, itching or burning feeling. Over the next day or 2, a painful lump or blister will appear on your face.
A cold sore usually starts with a tingling, itching or burning feeling.
Over the next 48 hours:
Small fluid-filled blisters appear.
The blisters can appear anywhere on the face.
The blisters burst and crust over into a scab.
Cold sores should start to heal within 10 days, but are contagious and may be irritating or painful while they heal.
Some people find that certain things trigger a cold sore, such as another illness, sunshine or periods.
Treatments for cold sores include antiviral creams and cold sore patches you can get from a pharmacy.
Cold sores take time to heal and they're very contagious, especially when the blisters burst.
Do not kiss babies if you have a cold sore. It can lead to neonatal herpes, which is very dangerous to newborn babies.
A GP may prescribe antiviral tablets if your cold sores are very large, painful or keep coming back.
Newborn babies, pregnant women and people with a weakened immune system may be referred to hospital for advice or treatment.