Cold sores are blisters full of fluid that usually appear around the lips. People experience various stages, from tingling to scabbed blisters.

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Woman applying cold sore cream on lips in front of mirror

Herpes

Woman with cold sore

Cold sore woman

lip balm

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Mayo Clinic

Medline Plus

InformedHealth.org

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<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="92tae" data-offset-key="71nrk-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="71nrk-0-0"><span data-offset-key="71nrk-0-0"><span data-text="true">Most bacteria are harmless or even helpful. It helps your body digest food. Fewer than one percent of bacteria cause sickness and disease. Most viruses, </span></span><span class="complexword"><span data-offset-key="71nrk-1-0"><span data-text="true">on the other hand</span></span></span><span data-offset-key="71nrk-2-0"><span data-text="true">, cause sickness and disease. Viruses target specific cells in the liver, respiratory system, and bloodstream. Because of their </span></span><span class="adverb"><span data-offset-key="71nrk-3-0"><span data-text="true">relatively</span></span></span><span data-offset-key="71nrk-4-0"><span data-text="true"> simple structure, they cannot survive without a host. Bacterial infections and viral infections can be almost indistinguishable. They can both present the same symptoms. </span></span><span class="hardreadability"><span data-offset-key="71nrk-5-0"><span data-text="true">Doctors use blood and urine tests to determine whether the cause of your illness is viral or bacterial</span></span></span><span data-offset-key="71nrk-6-0"><span data-text="true">.</span></span></div>
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<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="44rai-0-0"><span data-offset-key="44rai-0-0"><span data-text="true">Unlike bacteria, antibiotics are not effective against a virus. The most effective treatments for viruses are preventative. Vaccines have reduced the number of viral infections </span></span><span class="adverb"><span data-offset-key="44rai-1-0"><span data-text="true">greatly</span></span></span><span data-offset-key="44rai-2-0"><span data-text="true"> since their development. Doctors use vaccines to combat diseases like polio, measles, and chickenpox.</span></span></div>
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Conditions

"Condition" is a general term for particular abnormal diseases that negatively affect a part or all of the body. Conditions are not due to any external injury. Therefore, a broken bone does not classify as a condition, whereas Herpes, OCD, Shingles, and Ulcers do.

Medical conditions are classified by specific symptoms and signs. While each person's experiences can vary, there are consistent signs and symptoms that doctors will look for when diagnosing their patients. We always recommend that people seek a professional diagnosis. Afterward, supplement medical advice and opinion with accurate and easy to read information.

Most people only spend an average of a couple minutes with their doctor during a checkup. Oftentimes patients don't receive the fullest explanation of their diagnosis. Easily search through the vast amount of articles that Facty Health offers for ones that address your specific needs. From there, allow us to help you with those unanswered questions.

Viral

The Stages of a Cold Sore

5. Stage Three: Blisters Become Painful Sores

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