Introduction

 

Cold sores are small blisters around the mouth, caused by the herpes simplex virus. The most common strain of the virus is herpes simplex virus 1.

Herpes simplex is not curable, but may lie dormant for long periods of time. Episodes of the cold sores last no longer than two weeks. Hot sun, cold wind, a cold, or a depressed immune system can cause an outbreak of herpes simplex virus.

 

Latest Cold Sore News
Air pollution tied to babies' ear infection risk

December 2, 2010 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Babies and toddlers who live in areas with moderate air pollution may have a higher risk of middle-ear infection than those breathing cleaner air, a Canadian study suggests.

Chapped lips: a side effect of cancer chemotherapy

September 22, 2009 — BERLIN (Reuters Health) - Chapped lips are a common but neglected side effect of chemotherapy, according to data reported here at the ECCO-ESMO European cancer congress.

New approach offers chance to finally kill herpes

July 3, 2008 — WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. researchers reported on Wednesday they may have found a way to flush out herpes viruses from hiding -- offering a potential way to cure pesky and painful conditions from cold sores to shingles.

Select news items provided by Reuters Health