how do you know the difference between herpes and a cold sore?
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Cold sores are caused by infection with specific strains of HSV. HSV-1 is the strain that most commonly causes cold sores. However, HSV-2, the strain that causes genital herpes, can also cause cold sores. HSV is very contagious.
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Genital herpes is usually caused by HSV-2; oral herpes (cold sores) is usually caused by HSV-1. However, genital herpes can also be caused by HSV-1. Someone with HSV-1 can transmit the virus through oral contact with another person's genitals, anus, or mouth, even if they don't have sores that are visible at the time.
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Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). HSV-1 is very contagious. You can spread the virus even when you don't have any symptoms of a cold sore, though you're usually most contagious when you have them. However, this is much less likely than if contact occurred when a cold sore was present.
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Most commonly, herpes type 1 causes sores around the mouth and lips (sometimes called fever blisters or cold sores). HSV-1 can cause genital herpes, but most cases of genital herpes are caused by herpes type 2. In HSV-2, the infected person may have sores around the genitals or rectum.
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HSV-1 is a subtype of the herpes virus that typically causes oral herpes. This is also known as cold sores. HSV-1 can also cause genital blisters that appear very similar to the genital blisters associated with HSV-2 virus. Any herpes sore or blister — regardless of its subtype — can burn, itch, or tingle.
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HSV-1 is a subtype of the herpes virus that typically causes oral herpes. This is also known as cold sores. HSV-1 can also cause genital blisters that appear very similar to the genital blisters associated with HSV-2 virus.
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A positive test result for HSV-1 or HSV-2 indicates that you've contracted either virus at some point. The results also allow your doctor to differentiate between HSV-1 and HSV-2, which isn't always possible by visually examining the sores.
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Cold sore symptoms It will usually be painful and tender to the touch. There may be more than one sore present. The cold sore will remain for up to two weeks and will be contagious until it crusts over. Your first cold sore may not appear for up to 20 days after you contract the herpes simplex virus.
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HPV is caused by the human papillomavirus virus (HPV) while herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are more than 100 strains of HPV and two strains of HSV. HSV-1 usually causes cold sores, although it can cause genital lesions through oral sex.
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What's the difference? Aciclovir is available as tablets or a cream. Milder herpes infections, such as cold sores, can be treated Aciclovir cream, but more severe infections require Aciclovir tablets to reduce symptoms.
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Herpes simplex viruses -- more commonly known as herpes -- are categorized into two types: herpes type 1 (HSV-1, or oral herpes) and herpes type 2 (HSV-2, or genital herpes). Most commonly, herpes type 1 causes sores around the mouth and lips (sometimes called fever blisters or cold sores).
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What Are Cold Sores? You might know cold sores by their nickname: “fever blisters.” They are a symptom of an infection caused by herpes simplex virus type 1, which is why they are also known as oral herpes.
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According Dr. Craig Austin, a dermatologist in New York City, cold sores usually aren't a sexually transmitted disease (STD). They are caused by the herpes simplex virus.
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So cold sores are only caused by HSV-1? Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can cause cold sores on the mouth and face. Although it's more common for HSV-1 to cause cold sores, it isn't impossible for HSV-2 to cause them, too.
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Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus and shingles is caused by the herpes zoster virus (the same virus that causes chicken pox). Once you are exposed to these herpes viruses, they can remain dormant, usually along the nerves, for many years until your system is weakened by stress or lack of sleep.
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The bottom line. Cold sores and pimples may look similar, but there are a few key differences. Cold sores often appear in one place on the lower lip and form as a cluster of small blisters. Pimples can appear anywhere and have a single whitehead or blackhead.
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If you have a cold sore (also called a fever blister) on your chin, chances are that you're carrying the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). The virus isn't life-threatening, but your cold sore can make you feel uncomfortable.