Cold sores are small blisters that form on the lips or around the mouth. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus and usually go away without treatment within 7 to 10 days. You may not have any symptoms when you are first infected with the herpes simplex virus. Oral herpes most often goes away 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 on its own. However, there are things you can do to make them go away faster. Herpes simplex is not curable, but it can remain dormant for a long time. Cold sores don't last longer than 2 weeks.
Hot sun, cold wind, a cold or other illness, or a weak immune system can cause 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 have oral sex until your cold sores are completely cured, as you could transmit genital herpes to your partner.
