Cold sores are small, painful blisters that form around the lips or mouth. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus and usually go away without treatment within 7 to 10 days. Initially, you may not experience any symptoms when you are first infected with the herpes simplex virus. Generally, oral herpes will vanish on its own after 1 to 2 weeks.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for cold sores and it can take two to four weeks for the cold sore to heal by itself. However, there are certain steps you can take to make them disappear faster. Herpes simplex is incurable, but it can remain dormant for a long time. Cold sores don't last longer than 2 weeks.
Exposure to hot sun, cold wind, a cold or other illness, or a weakened immune system can trigger an outbreak of the herpes simplex virus. Cold sores are caused by a virus called herpes simplex. Once you have the virus, it stays on your skin for the rest of your life. It sometimes causes a cold sore.
Sometimes, oral and genital herpes viruses can spread even when there are no sores or blisters in the mouth. Kissing a baby if you have cold sores can cause neonatal herpes, which is very dangerous for newborns. Do not engage in oral sex until your cold sores are completely healed, as you could transmit genital herpes to your partner.
