HealthWise KnowledgeBase
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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