What are cold sores?

Also known as: fever blisters, herpes simplex virus 1, HSV-1

Cold sores are common small painful blisters that usually appear on or around the lips, mouth, nose, or face and are frequently called "fever blisters." They typically last up to 2 weeks and tend to recur in children frequently after experiencing stress.

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Reviewed by: Jack Wolfsdorf, MD, FAAP

This page was last updated on: 1/29/2019 3:21:13 PM