Cold sores are the same as fever blisters. The names are used interchangeably to describe tiny blisters filled with pus that are found on or around the lips. These blisters indicate a viral infection and are spread from person to person by kissing, sharing beverages, or other things that involve skin-to-skin contact. For the sake of convenience, we’ll refer to these blisters simply as cold sores.
Are Cold Sores Painful?
Cold sores are usually painful depending on the infected individual’s pain tolerance. Many who have suffered from these blisters report tingling, itching, or burning around the lips a few days before the blister appears. After these sensations, a small, hard painful spot becomes noticeable. The spot eventually erupts, leaving a crusted scab on the lips.
Do Cold Sores Mean You Have a Cold?
Cold sores are not indicative of an infection with the common cold. They actually mean that an individual is infected with the herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) or herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2). Other symptoms that present when someone has a cold sore include:
- Fever
- Painful gums
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Swollen lymph nodes
These symptoms typically manifest only when an individual is infected with the virus for the first time. Subsequent infections and blisters often do not come with these symptoms.
Should I See a Doctor?
Cold sores usually disappear on their own, without any medical treatment. You should see a healthcare provider only if you suffer from a compromised immune system and the cold sore lasts more than two weeks. It’s also important to get medical attention if you keep getting cold sores or your eyes are itchy and irritated while you have the cold sore.
What if I Get a Cold Sore While Traveling?
If you’re away from home and you get a cold sore, there’s no need to panic. As mentioned before, cold sores do not require medical treatment unless they last longer than two weeks or your immune system is weaker than normal. If these apply to you and you’re on vacation, you should go to the nearest nearby clinic.
It’s significantly easier to get medical help at a clinic abroad if you have reliable travel health insurance. Don’t travel without health insurance. Emergencies or unexpected things could happen with your health while you’re away and you don’t want to be caught off guard. So whether you have a cold sore that seems to last too long or you’re dealing with something else, good travel health insurance is key to staying safe wherever you are.
Passport Health offers a variety of options that can help prevent STIs, blood infections, and other related diseases. These include hepatitis B, HPV, and more. Call 937-306-7541 or book online to schedule your appointment today.
Ese Agboh is a student nurse who wants to specialize in pediatric nursing and wound care. In her free time, she enjoys reading and writing articles related to medicine and the pathophysiology of communicable diseases. Ese currently lives and studies on the east coast of the United States.
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