What do multiple cold sores mean

Recurrent cold sores Risk factors Treatments Prevention Summary Cold sores can occur when a person contracts the herpes simplex virus, which causes small, fluid-filled blisters around the lips and in the mouth. Why do cold sores keep coming back? Risk factors. Share on Pinterest A person can take over-the-counter pain medication to reduce any cold sore-related pain.

Share on Pinterest Stress management may help reduce the frequency of cold sores. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals.

Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Related Coverage. Lysine for cold sores: Does it work? Medically reviewed by Dena Westphalen, Pharm. Everything you need to know about cold sores. Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph. Herpes simplex: Everything you need to know. Medically reviewed by Jill Seladi-Schulman, Ph. Cold sores are contagious even if you don't see the sores.

There's no cure for cold sores, but treatment can help manage outbreaks. Prescription antiviral pills or creams can help sores heal more quickly.

And they may reduce the frequency, length and severity of future outbreaks. Signs and symptoms vary, depending on whether this is your first outbreak or a recurrence.

The first time you have a cold sore, symptoms may not start for up to 20 days after you were first exposed to the virus. The sores can last several days, and the blisters can take two to three weeks to heal completely. Recurrences typically appear at the same spot each time and tend to be less severe than the first outbreak. Children under 5 years old may have cold sores inside their mouths and the lesions are commonly mistaken for canker sores.

Canker sores involve only the mucous membrane and aren't caused by the herpes simplex virus. Cold sores are caused by certain strains of the herpes simplex virus HSV. HSV -1 usually causes cold sores. HSV -2 is usually responsible for genital herpes.

But either type can spread to the face or genitals through close contact, such as kissing or oral sex. Shared eating utensils, razors and towels might also spread HSV Cold sores are most contagious when you have oozing blisters because the virus easily spreads through contact with infected body fluids. But you can spread the virus even if you don't have blisters.

Many people who are infected with the virus that causes cold sores never develop signs and symptoms. Once you've had an episode of herpes infection, the virus lies dormant in nerve cells in your skin and may emerge as another cold sore at the same place as before. Recurrence may be triggered by:. Anyone who is exposed to the herpes simplex virus HSV is at risk for developing cold sores.

But many people have the virus and may never develop cold sores. People who have weakened immune systems are at an increased risk for having more severe and longer-lasting outbreaks of cold sores.

One form of HSV infection, called primary herpes stomatitis, is seen most often in children 1 to 3 years old. It can cause a high fever and blisters throughout the mouth, which can interfere with the ability to eat. It can be serious in children—they can get quite sick from this illness, although they usually recover without any long-term problems. Your doctor can diagnose cold sores by asking questions to find out whether you've been exposed to the herpes simplex virus HSV and by examining you.

No further testing is usually needed. Both virus types can cause lip and mouth sores herpes labialis and genital herpes if your skin comes into contact with either type. If it is not clear that you have cold sores, herpes tests may be done. The doctor takes a sample of fluid from a sore and has it tested. Having the sample taken is usually not uncomfortable even if the sore is tender or painful.

There is no cure for cold sores, nor is there a cure for the herpes simplex virus HSV that causes them. Most cold sores will go away on their own. But medicines may slightly reduce the duration of cold sores and sometimes prevent a future outbreak. Treatment with medicines depends on whether you are having a first outbreak or a recurrent outbreak or are trying to prevent future outbreaks.

When treating a first outbreak of cold sores, oral antiviral medicines may reduce pain and slightly improve healing time. For treatment of recurrent cold sores, the following medicines may reduce the severity and duration of the outbreak: footnote 1.

Oral antivirals may also be taken daily to prevent recurring cold sores, especially in people who have frequent and painful outbreaks. If you have a weakened immune system and develop cold sores, you may need medicines to control your symptoms or daily doses to prevent outbreaks. The first episode of cold sores can be so painful that you may have trouble eating, drinking, and sleeping. A child who has a fever and many mouth sores may need to be encouraged to drink water and other fluids to prevent dehydration.

Adults and older children who have a painful first episode of cold sores may sometimes need a prescription-strength medicated mouth rinse to reduce pain. Several complementary medicine treatments are available if you wish to try an alternative way to ease your symptoms.

Although some people find relief from the symptoms by taking zinc or lysine there is little research to support this treatment. Before you try a complementary treatment, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the possible value and potential side effects.

Most cold sores heal on their own. But you can manage your symptoms at home by:. Ask your doctor if you can take ibuprofen such as Advil or Motrin or acetaminophen such as Tylenol to reduce pain. Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 18 because of its link to Reye syndrome , a serious but rare problem. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label. You can reduce the frequency of cold sore outbreaks by taking the following steps:.

These measures may help prevent the spread of cold sores in children:. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn How this information was developed. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise. The sores usually recur in the same place.

Cold sores are an annoying problem for most people who get them, but they get better without any specific treatment. However, in people with some types of immunosuppression such as people undergoing chemotherapy, or taking very high doses of corticosteroids such as prednisolone , the cold sores can spread more widely and the symptoms can be more severe.

Medication may be required in these cases. Uncommon complications that require medical attention include:.

There are two types of herpes simplex infection: herpes simplex virus type 1 HSV-1 and herpes simplex virus type 2 HSV Most cases of genital herpes are caused by HSV Cold sores on the mouth can cause genital infection during oral sex for people who do not already carry the cold sore virus. There are many other viruses that are also in the herpes virus family, however the infection and symptoms are different.

One example is varicella zoster virus VZV which causes chickenpox and shingles. The herpes simplex virus spreads between people, usually through contact with saliva or direct contact with a blister. The most infectious time is in the first few days when the blister is forming. Sometimes, people can pass the virus to others when they have no symptoms. This is because the virus may be lying dormant in the skin cells of the lips. If you have a cold sore, be sure to wash your hands after touching it and be especially careful to avoid touching your own eyes after touching your cold sore.

It is the fluid contained in the blisters that is considered to be the most infectious. While you have a cold sore it is also important to avoid:.

If young children with a cold sore are unable to follow good hygiene practices, it is recommended that they be excluded from childcare or school until the blister stops weeping. It is also recommended that blisters be covered by a dressing, where possible. Cold sores are generally not dangerous and do not cause any permanent damage to the skin. Treatment does not cure the infection and is not necessary for most cases.

Avoid picking the scab or breaking blisters as this can cause secondary infection with bacteria, or scarring. Creams to treat the symptoms can be soothing, as can ice on the blisters. Simple painkillers may occasionally be required.