Cold Sore: Symptoms, Causes, Remedies, Treatment & More

What is a Cold Sore?

Cold sores are a common type of viral infection where tiny, red blisters form near your lips, mouth, or on your face. In some cases, patients have a cold sore outbreak on other areas of their body as well, such as the fingers, nose, or even inside the mouth. Cold sores are fluid-filled & commonly found clumped together in patches at outbreak site on the skin. Also known as fever blisters, cold sores are a common skin condition & often heal on their own in two to three weeks. In some cases, cold sores may leave a scar on the skin. 

There is actually no cure for cold sores & the healing process is undertaken entirely by our immune systems. However, there are treatments & home remedies for cold sores that can help manage the outbreak in patients, ease the pain caused by the blisters, & even accelerate the healing process in some cases. 

Symptoms of Cold Sores

Cold sores are characterized by the following symptoms:

•  Itching 
• A tingling sensation at the area of the outbreak
• Fluid-filled blisters
• Swelling & redness
• Formation of a scab 

If you are experiencing a cold sore outbreak for the first time, your symptoms will take longer to subside, & you may experience the following additional cold sore symptoms:

• Sore throat
• Headache
• Upset stomach
• Burning sensation inside the mouth
• Painful gums
• Fever
• Muscle aches

 A recurrence of cold sores tends to appear at the same spot each time with less severe symptoms. 

Stages of Cold Sores

Cold sores are a recurring skin condition & the severity of cold sore symptoms varies. The first out-break of cold-sores is always the worst & most painful whereas recurring outbreaks are milder since your body develops antibodies after the first outbreak. Once you are infected, the first sign of a cold sore may take as much as 3 weeks to appear. From then onwards, cold sore symptoms emerge in stages:

• Stage 1: The first sign of a cold sore is a tingling & itching feeling at the area of the outbreak.

• Stage 2: Then, fluid-filled blisters start to erupt within a day. The infected area swells & becomes red. Cold sore on the lips or near the mouth are most common which is why you should look for symptoms in these areas first. 

• Stage 3: The blisters will then start to burst & the fluid will ooze out of the open cold sores, forming a crust/scab. This takes around two to three days to end. 

• Stage 4: The scab will then eventually crack & fall off. 

When to see a doctor for Cold Sores?

Cold sores usually heal on their own & most patients do not require medical treatment. However, if you experience any of the following, you should immediately contact your doctor:

• You have a weak immune system, perhaps because of immunosuppressive medications.
• Your cold sores persist beyond two to three weeks. 
• You are experiencing severe pain.
• The cold sores result in irritation in the eyes. This virus that causes cold sores can lead to permanent vision loss, if left untreated.

Additionally, cold sores in children can be more severe than in adults since their immune system is still developing. You should get in touch with you doctor in case your child experiences a cold sore outbreak.