Cold Sores

A cold sore is a small cluster of blisters that appears on the edge of the lips. It is caused by the reactivation of the herpes virus, called HSV, which causes what is known as herpes labialis.

This virus is very common. It is transmitted through direct contact with the skin or mucous membranes of an infected person. Once it enters the body, the virus passes through a small wound in the skin and then lodges in a nerve ganglion, where it remains for life, even if it does not always cause symptoms.