Cold sores appear as a tingling or buzzing in the skin, then swelling, redness and tenderness appears. After some time, small blisters will appear and finally, 7-10 days later, a scab will form, which eventually will fall off and leave no scar.
Cold sores and herpes 1
Cold sores and herpes 1 are caused by the same virus. There are two types of herpes – HSV1, Herpes Simplex Virus 1, herpes 1 and HSV2 Herpes Simplex Virus 2, herpes 2.
Herpes 1 usually occurs on the face and are called cold sores because they often come in connection with a cold. You can get cold sores on the lip, which is why it is also called herpes labialis. You can also get cold sores in the nose, which can be very bothersome and difficult to treat. You can also get cold sores inside the mouth and if the sore spreads over a larger area of the mucous membranes, it can be very uncomfortable and painful to eat and brush your teeth. However, most cold sores occur in the corners of the mouth or on the lips.
If herpes occurs on the genitals, it is not a cold sore, it is herpes 2 also called herpes genitalis.
