You’re not alone. It is believed that 1 in 5 Canadians are affected by cold sores, experiencing on average 2 or 3 outbreaks each year. These blisters are caused by a virus, known as herpes simplex virus type 1. Cold sores can be painful, recurrent and they usually form on the outside of the lips or mouth. A tingling, itching, or burning sensation may be the first sign before the blister appears. The typical duration of a cold sore is approximately 7 to 10 days. Although the exact trigger is yet unknown, some of the influencing conditions include stress, fatigue, sun exposure, hormonal fluctuations, injuries to the affected area, and a cold or flu.
