Yet, like many people, you may not know much about them. By understanding what cold sores are and how they spread, you can detect an outbreak early and begin treating it.
Early detection can decrease the life span of a cold sore and help prevent the spread of infection.
You are not alone. But not everyone that carries the infection will display it in blister form. Still, one in five Americans do experience cold sores - typically between two and three outbreaks each year. Once contracted, the virus can cause blister-like lesions commonly found on and around the mouth. Affected people may feel a tingling, itching or burning sensation beneath the skin's surface before the blister appears.