Guide To The Causes And Risk Factors For Cold Sores

Contrary to popular belief, the name 'cold sores' doesn't actually mean the common cold is to blame for the condition. A virus is to blame, but it is not the cold virus. Instead, the cause is a herpes simplex viral infection (HSV). You may have also heard cold sores referred to as fever blisters, which can appear anywhere on the body, though they are most commonly found around the lips. Typically, an outbreak will last one week to ten days, and they are highly contagious until they have fully crusted over. Anyone can develop cold sores; in fact, most individuals get at least one, and antibodies develop to prevent more. About forty percent of adults will develop recurring outbreaks.