What is a Cold Sore?

While Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are caused by the highly contagious herpes simplex virus. The virus attacks the skin and mucous membrane, producing painful blisters around the mouth and nose. Cold sore symptoms usually start with a tingling sensation, which may advance to a painful burning or itching feeling. This stage is known as the prodromal stage. A small reddened area then develops followed by formation of fluid-filled blisters. Because these blisters form in a cluster, two or more may join to form a larger blister. The blisters eventually rupture, scab over and heal. Under normal circumstances, the length of time from onset until full healing is one to two weeks.
Once the outbreak has healed, the virus lies dormant in the nervous system and may reactivate from time to time. Physical or emotional stresses, overexposure to sunlight, hormonal changes and foods have all been attributed as potential triggers for these recurrences. Recurrences are typically not as severe as the initial outbreak.

Cold sores are highly contagious until they heal. The most common way the virus is spread is through physical contact, such as kissing. Washing your hands thoroughly after touching the affected area will help prevent spreading the virus to other parts of your body or another person. Although eyes rarely become infected, be careful to protect them from the virus since it can potentially cause blindness. Barring infection of the eyes, cold sores do not pose a serious health risk. Taking care of your health, managing stress levels and avoiding excessive sunlight can help reduce outbreaks.

As indicated in our testimonials for cold sores, Doctor's Cold Sore Solution helps to speed healing and can even prevent blisters from forming if used as directed when symptoms begin. If our solutions don't significantly improve your cold sore within 24 hours or fail to reduce the frequency and severity of your outbreaks, please return the unused portion within 60 days of purchase for a full refund. (Refund is for purchase price and sales tax; shipping and handling are not included.)

For cold sores and canker sores INSIDE THE MOUTH we recommend the 14ml Joshua Solution. It is more concentrated and easier to apply than the 4ml roll on tube. For convenience the roll on tube should be used for daily use "out and about" and the 14ml Joshua Solution for in the home. (more info)