​Cold Sores

Cold sores (also known as fever blisters) are a common form of viral infection. These usually appear (often as a group) as small, fluid-filled blisters around your mouth (usually around the edges of your lower lip) or on your lips. The skin around your blister can be red, tender, and quite sore. Once the blister breaks, they will leak a clear fluid, and a scab will form over the subsequent sore. Cold sores usually heal without any scar within two to four weeks.

Cold sores are contagious and can spread through coming in direct contact with an infected individual, even if they are not visible. They are usually caused by the simple virus HSV-1 (and in some cases HSV-2, which causes genital herpes), and can affect both your mouth and genital area. Thus, cold sores of HSV-2 are commonly contracted and spread through sexual intercourse. Currently, there is not a cure for cold sores. The blisters can heal and remain dormant for a while, but may reappear at another time due to a trigger (e.g. fatigue or injury to the infected area). However, the highly trained staff at Teeth and Skin Service Line at The Aga Khan University and Hospital is able to provide expert advice and prescribe treatment that will help cold sores heal faster and reduce how frequently they come back.

When to seek expert advise

Cold sores typically heal on their own without treatment with a few weeks. However you should seek the advice of a doctor about cold sores if:

• You have a weakened immune system

• Your cold sores have not healed within a few weeks (around two weeks)

• The symptoms are severe, and you are experiencing great pain and discomfort

• You experience cold sores frequently

• Your eyes feel irritated

In severe or recurrent cases of cold sores, you should visit a specialist to help alleviate the symptoms. The Aga Khan University and Hospital is the only internationally accredited hospital in Pakistan, and ​

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