Cold sores
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Cold sores: Essentials
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What are the symptoms of cold sores?

Cold sores usually start as red patches that swell into pimples.

The pimples turn into blisters. When the blisters burst, the area around them becomes an open sore. Some people also get a fever. Your skin returns to normal within about a week to ten days. You usually get cold sores on one side of your mouth and in the same place each time.

Some people get warning symptoms about two days before their blisters appear. You may have an itching, burning or tingling feeling on your lips.

This information was last updated on May 07, 2008
BMJ Group
This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.
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