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    Cold Sores

    Cold Sores

    Cold sores, sometimes called fever blisters, are groups of small blisters on the lip and around the mouth. The skin around the blisters is often red, swollen, and sore. The blisters may break open, leak a clear fluid, and then scab over after a few days. They usually heal in several days to 2 weeks.

    Cold sores are contagious until the blisters are completely crusted over.

    By Healthwise Staff
    Primary Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
    Specialist Medical Reviewer Thomas M. Bailey, MD - Family Medicine
    Last Revised October 9, 2012




    By: Healthwise Staff Last Revised: October 9, 2012
    Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
    Thomas M. Bailey, MD - Family Medicine


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