Okay so, cold sores. If you’ve never had one before, it can be kinda confusing when it pops up. Like you wake up, look in the mirror and go “what the hell is that on my lip??” I’ve been there. So I thought I’d write this for anyone whos wondering what they actually look like and what to expect. Spoiler: they suck. lol
First signs – you feel it before you see it
Most of the time before you even see the cold sore, you can feel it. Theres this weird tingly or burning feeling, like right on the edge of your lip. It’s not painful exactly, but like… you know somethings up. That’s called the “prodromal” stage (but like who says that, right? lol).
Anyway, if you catch it at that stage, that’s your best shot at stopping it or at least making it not as bad. There’s creams like Abreva or if you have meds from a doc like valacyclovir, take that ASAP.
Then the blisters show up
After the tingling stage, you usually start to see little blisters. They usually show up on or around the lips (like the edge where skin meets lip), but I’ve gotten them under my nose too. Sometimes they start as just one bump and then more show up in a lil cluster. They’re filled with clear-ish fluid, sometimes a bit yellow.
It doesn’t look like a pimple tho. Pimples usually have a white head and they don’t sting the same way. Cold sores hurt more and feel kinda tight on your skin.
Next – it gets ugly
After a day or two, the blisters pop open (ew, I know) and it turns into a raw sore. Literally an open wound on your mouth. It’s the worst part for sure. Super red, sometimes a little bloody, and it crusts over with this gross yellow/brown scab. People stare. I hate that part.
Oh, and this is when it’s the most contagious. Don’t kiss anyone, don’t share straws, drinks, forks, towels, nothing. Just don’t. You don’t wanna be the reason someone else gets this thing.
How long does it last?
Usually it takes around 7 to 10 days to fully go away. Sometimes faster, sometimes longer if your immune system is down. Mine usually scab up around day 5 and the scab falls off around day 9 or 10. The skin under can be a lil pink for a bit.
If you pick the scab (don’t do it!!!) it can bleed and take longer to heal or scar. I know it’s tempting when it’s flaky but just let it do its thing.
What causes them to come back?
So cold sores are from the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 usually). Once you catch it, it stays in your body forever. Yay.
They can flare up again when:
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you’re stressed af
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you’re sick
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too much sun (always use SPF lip balm!!)
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periods (for some people)
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not enough sleep
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even just cold weather sometimes
For me, stress and sun are the big ones. Like if I go to the beach and forget chapstick, boom, cold sore in 2 days.
Is it a cold sore or something else?
Sometimes people get confused and think it’s something else. Here’s a quick breakdown:
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Cold sore – cluster of blisters, hurts/tingles, fluid inside, scabs
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Pimple – one bump, whitehead, doesn’t sting before it shows up
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Canker sore – inside your mouth, not on lips, not contagious
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Chapped lips – just dry and flaky, no blisters or fluid
If it’s your first time and you’re really not sure, go to a doctor or clinic. They can do a swab test in like 2 mins and tell you what it is.
How to treat it
Okay, so here’s the deal. There’s no cure for cold sores. The virus just chills in your body and flares up sometimes. But you can def treat them to make it heal faster and feel less gross.
Stuff that helps:
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Abreva (OTC cream, works best at the tingling stage)
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Ice/cold compress – helps with swelling and pain
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Vaseline or lip balm – keeps it from cracking
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Prescription antivirals (Valtrex, etc) – ask your doctor if you get them a lot
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Avoid acidic foods (like oranges, tomatoes) – they BURN on the sore
Also, don’t stress about it too much. I know it feels huge and ugly and like everyone’s staring at your lip, but honestly, most people either don’t notice or don’t care. Cold sores are super common.
Can you prevent them?
Not 100%, but you can try to avoid triggers. Like:
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Use SPF on your lips when you go outside
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Get enough sleep
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Take care of your health (vitamins, eat good, stay hydrated)
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If you’re prone to them during your period or stress, ask your doctor about daily meds
Some people take lysine supplements too. I’ve tried it, dunno if it works or placebo but it doesn’t hurt.
Final Thoughts
So yeah. Cold sores look like blisters at first, then open up and scab over, and eventually heal. They’re not fun and they’re kinda gross but they happen to SO many people. I used to be super embarrassed about mine, like I wouldn’t even go out when I had one. But honestly… life goes on. Now I just put some cream on it, slap on some tinted lip balm, and go about my day.
If you get them a lot or if it’s really painful, talk to a doc. You can get meds that help a lot. But if it’s just one random sore, don’t panic. It’ll be gone soon.
Stay strong out there, cold sore warriors