What are cold sores? Know the signs
Cold sores are small, painful blisters that appear in or around the mouth and lips. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus Type 1. These blisters (also called “fever blisters”) can also appear on or inside the nose or anywhere on the body.
Herpes simplex virus infections are very common. The virus is easily spread through close contact or kissing someone who is infected. Not everyone who has the virus has cold sores, but the virus will remain in the body throughout life.
In kids, symptoms most often appear between 1 and 5 years old. Fortunately, the virus is often dormant and sometimes stays that way permanently.
What causes the virus to activate and cause cold sores is not known. Stress, sickness, weather, hormonal changes, pain, diet, or medication can all act as triggers.
Symptoms usually appear between 1-3 weeks after kids contract the virus and can last up to three weeks. Typically, symptoms include burning, itching, or tingling near the lips or mouth area. Before blisters occur, children may experience:
- Fever
- Sore throat or painful swallowing
- Swollen glands
A blister or outbreak of blisters may be red and very painful. Small blisters may be filled with a clear, yellowish fluid that will usually break open and leak. Several blisters may combine into a single large blister. Although there are no specific treatments for cold sores, you can make your child more comfortable by giving him or her an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as children’s acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
An ice pack or cool towel applied to the affected area can also bring some relief.
After a blister breaks open, it heals into a yellow, crusty area. Eventually, as the blister heals, the area will become pink skin. They usually go away by themselves about 7-10 days after forming. However, contact your child’s doctor if your child has a weakened immune system. In addition, it’s wise to call your pediatrician if:
- Cold sores do not heal on their own within 10 days
- They appear often
- Your child shows signs of a bacterial infection, such as spreading redness
Reviewed by Dr. Sara Connolly, February 2019
Takeaways
- Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus Type 1.
- The virus is easily spread through close contact or kissing someone who is infected.
- Stress, sickness, weather, hormonal changes, pain, diet, or medication can all act as triggers of causing cold sores.
I get fever blisters and have for as long as I can remember. Fortunately, I don’t get them on the outside of my mouth but I do on the inside and they are just as painful. I seem to get them because of stress and I think my four year old has gotten one or two probably because of me. I just hope she doesn’t get them as often as I used to.
I know that the virus is spread easily, but does the person you get it from have to have an outbreak in order for you to get it?
Most people who become infected with the virus that causes cold sores never even develop symptoms. However, they still may be contagious to others, even without blisters.