Cold sores and fever blisters are caused by the herpes simplex virus. Cold sores are caused by herpes simplex type 1 (HSV 1) more often than herpes simplex type 2 (HSV 2). Cold sores start like this one with vesicles and progress like genital herpes lesions to ulcers, crusting, then healing without a scar. Learn more about the course of cold sores and the treatment of cold sores.
Herpes - Typical Cold Sore
From Heather Brannon, MD, About.com
Updated: April 25, 2007
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Casey Gallagher, MD
Basic Herpes Information
How the Herpes Simplex Virus WorksThe First Genital Herpes OutbreakGenital Herpes Treatments
Herpes Information for Women
Genital Herpes Symptoms in WomenGenital Herpes and PregnancyReducing the Risk of Herpes Transmission to Infants
Cold Sores Information
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