Info about cold sores?
962599
The herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a virus that manifests itself in two common viral infections, each marked by painful, watery blisters in the skin or mucous membranes (such as the mouth or lips) or on the genitals. The disease is contagious, particularly during an outbreak, and is incurable with present technology. An infection on the lips is commonly known as a "cold sore" or "fever blister". These are sometimes confused with canker sores or aphthous ulcers, which have a similar appearance; these appear inside the mouth and are not caused by the herpes simplex virus. When asymptomatic, HSV lies dormant in the bodies of the nerve cells, replicating within the axons towards the skin during an outbreak. When the outbreak has passed, the virus 'dies back' along the nerve until it is only present in the nerve body.[1] The dormancy of the virus within the nerve bodies contributes to the difficulty of treatment.\n\n\nFor more information visit.   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cold_sores
365254
Cold sores are actually caused by a virus that usually stays inactive in your body but sort of takes over in times of stress - such as when you are sick, get too much sun, have difficult things happening in your life, etc. Once you have the cold sore virus in your body it is always there - you can't actually get rid of it, but you can certainly get it under excellent control. There are no over the counter meds that work for cold sores. Stuff that you put on the cold sore may help with the soreness and pain, but most of it doesn't actually attack the virus itself. You need a prescription med called Valtrex. It is a big blue pill. Valtrex is actually prescribed for genital herpes, but the cold sore virus is from the same family, and Valtrex stops a cold sore in its tracks. Valtrex attacks the virus itself, not just the symptoms. Since I first took Valtrex about five years ago, I have rarely had a cold sore, and never had one develop fully. You take Valtrex for only a couple of days when you first feel the tingle of a cold sore starting.
959972
see a dr - could be the onset of a cold sore - the dr would be able to diagnose - b careful because they sometimes misdiagnose
306927
Less stress and when you feel that tingle on your lip just before a cold sore appears, put any good coldsore cream on it and it won't appear at all. your pharmacist should be able to help you!
455607
Absolutely - a cold sore is a herpes outbreak. So it is absolutely contagious and incurable.\n\nPeople are saying it's "a version" of Herpes, and "herpes' little sister," No.  It's Herpes, period.  Simplex 1, 2, 76 - who cares.  It's HERPES.  Not herpes' little sister, or a variation on herpes, or sorta kinda like herpes in a way, or herpes the remix.  It is pure and simple herpes.  Cold sores and fever blisters are attributed to colds and fevers because the symptoms that accompany the outbreak are cold/flu-like symptoms, ie, cold/fever.  Please do not let anyone LESSEN the idea that this sore is evidence that someone is infected with the herpes virus... no matter their age.  And please understand that you can STILL contract and/or transmit the herpes virus even when there is no outward evidence of an outbreak.
419137
There is a lot you can do. First, because a cold sore (or any virus) can't survive without heat put Ice on it. Sounds weird I know, but it works. Second, I rub a cream mixture of asprin and vaseline on it. It's ugly but works great because again, the asprin kills the fever. Other fixes and a lot of people find them helpful would be to get a prescription cream from your doctor. I used to get reoccuring cold sores until someone explained that you can kill the virus with cold. Now whenever I feel on coming on I immediately put an ice cube on it and it never surfaces. This has worked 100% of the time if I catch it right away. If you don't, try the asprin and vaseline overnight. When you wake it should be gone. Also, the recommendations about Lysine are also good ones.  Make sure you take a multi-vitamin to support the uptake of all related vitamins and minerals needed to fight off the virus and take a lysine supplement with it. BUT remember an ice cube doesn't cost anything and can save you a lot of time and energy. I can't recommend this enough.
306047
One of the previous persons that posted was somewhat correct.  \n\nCold sores are believed to be caused by Herpes simplex 1 (HSV 1)and Genital herpes is believed to be caused by Herpes simplex 2 (HSV 2)-- however, both HSV 1 and HSV 2 can cause herpes lesions on both the lips or genitals.  \n\n This can occur in oral-genital contact with a person with an active lesion (which is visible) or a person who is about to get a lesion--which is sometimes impossible to tell.  \n\nAlso remember,  if a person with cold sore touch their genitals without properly washing their hands they can transmit the virus to the genital area.\n\n(Another reason to wash hands!!!)\n\nYep--genital to oral 'activity' can cause sexually transmission of diseases.\n\nBe informed to stay healthy!!!!
95119
Use Abreva.  It works great, helps get rid of cold sores fast.  It's a little pricey but it does work and you can get it at any drug store.\n\nI just used it and my cold sore was gone in 2 days.
1173526
cold sore, for about 5 to 12 days
395867
Canker sores are not herpes, cold sores are herpes, you cannot get rid of them, but you can preevent them by not eating so many acid food such as oranges and tomatos. salt water does not really help all that much, but hell give it a try, I do to. and when you get them brush your teeth alot, since it is a lesion that has formed above the skin. keeping your mouth free of bacteria will speed upi the healing proces. Also keep an eye on them, they should not last more then a few day. If they do last longer you may want to see your dentist, since this could be a warining sign of a dental disease. I am sure it is nothing, but good luck with it all.
1001920
Don't freak out. It could possibly be a folliculitis (which is a hair bump) or bacterial vaginosis. The best advice I could give you is to pay the doctor a visit. Since you have never been with a person who has a herpes infection, I wouldn't be too worried about it.\n\nBut also know, that if a person has a cold sore, it is a herpes virus. If they perform oral sex on you with an active cold sore, you can develop a herpese infection in your genital area. A person who has genital herpes but isn't currently having an outbreak can still transmit the disease. The only reason why I am telling you these things is because I never knew until someone told me. \n\ntry not to worry too much and take care of yourself
250895
It really sounds like a pimple to me.  If it goes away quickly, or, if you pop it & it looks like a regular pimple - then it's probably just that - a pimple.  Cold sores do not pop.\n\nAs previous posters have said, Cold sores (herpes simplex 1) itch or tingle before they blister.  The blister might ooze a clear liquid, then it will scab over.  Genrally cold sores take 5 days to 2 weeks to heal.  Cold sores do tend to show up in the same place, but as you get older they will pop up in other areas of your lips.  \n\nIf it is a cold sore - don't worry.  Tons of people have them - most of us became infected as kids.  There are great over the counter medicines (abreva) that do a great job of shortening an outbreak.
272497
Cold sores are caused by Herpes simplex type I. When your incfected, the virus "hides" in the nervous system between outbreaks. \nHSV1 is extremely prevalent (very easy to pass on, quite innocently, just by an injudicious kiss to a baby). Most everybody (up to 90% of the population) has antibodies against HSV1 by the time they're 50.\nNow about transmission: It mostly happens when you have a blister/blisters going, through direct skin-to-skin contact, but indirect transmission thorugh secondary contact through a glass, cup etc. is possible. Unfortunately, the virus can sometimes spread , when no signs or symptoms are present. This is called "Asymptomatic Transmission." Often people don't know they are infected, these people may have symptoms so mild they don't notice them at all or else don't recognize them as herpes. They can also spread it. \nConsidering how common HSV1 is, your mum might have picked it up kissing a  baby somewhere, kissing a grandchild or a friend. To automatically assume there is cheating involved is not right. I was infected as a small child, by one of my parents, quite unknowingly. Your father might have a extremely mild infection, that flares up once every 10 years. There are a lot of explanations for your mums infection other than cheating. Please tell your mum that. \nAs far getting genital herpes is concerned, while HSV1 does NOT turn into HSV2, it can start genital herpes if the virus from a cold sore gets in touch with the genitals.\n\nFinally, another word - contrary to what a lot of people say, it is not a horrible disease like siphylis or whatnot. I have had it since I can remember and it never caused any problems. IT WILL NOT DEBILITATE HER OR MAKE HER LIFE HARD. \nI wish you all the best and please, try to calm your mum down.
442050
Stress tends to make them appear.  So does fluctuations in temperature.  Try not to stress out. Apply lip balm regularly.  Abreeva works great.  Don't pick or play with the cold sore.  Scars are very easy to get.
463100
It's a virus that can be picked up in many public places . . . handles of shopping carts is a good place.  If they become persistent, see a doctor for medication.  If it is just a once-in-a-while incident, there are some good over-the-counter medicines that can help with the pain while healing.  It takes time . . . just like a cold sore.
906712
Of course she can get a cold sore, anyone can get one. Just treat it with some cold sore meds.
839920
Well, cold sores are caused by the herpes virus.  You could try Ambesol on it (that works on my cold sores).\n\nYou can't get rid of these viruses -- they just lay dormant in your body until they decide to act up.  What you can do is convince them to stay dormant -- don't get stressed out, have a good time, get lots of sleep, and eat a healthy diet.\n\nOh, and keep clean, but don't over-do it with showers four or five times a day.  I hope it'll go away for you!  You may need to try another doctor, though.  It seems that these viruses are really hard for Western medicine to deal with, though.