How To Identify Cold Sores?

Some patients experience a preliminary 'warning' during which certain symptoms may occur before the cold sore appears. Such warnings may include a burning or tingling sensation that precedes the appearance of the blisters by a few hours or a day or two. As the cold sore forms, the area may become reddened and develop small fluid-filled blisters. Sometimes several small blisters may forma one large blister. Cold sores are mildly painful. When cold sores recur, the blisters dry rapidly and leave scabs that last a few days.

A Cold Sore or a Canker Sore?

Cold sores are quite different from canker sores, which people often confuse with cold sores. Cold sores are caused by reactivation of the herpes simplex virus and are contagious. Canker sores are not contagious. They are ulcers that occur in the soft tissue inside your mouth.