&lt;h1 data-section-id=&quot;1hc1xq8&quot; data-start=&quot;204&quot; data-end=&quot;285&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What Exactly Is a Cold Sore? (Your Lip&amp;rsquo;s Most Unwanted Visitor)&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h1&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;287&quot; data-end=&quot;525&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Cold sores&amp;mdash;also known as &lt;strong data-start=&quot;312&quot; data-end=&quot;330&quot;&gt;fever blisters&lt;/strong&gt;&amp;mdash;are small, fluid-filled blisters that usually appear on or around the lips. They often show up in clusters, almost like tiny bubbles grouped together, and can feel as uncomfortable as they look.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;527&quot; data-end=&quot;639&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;But here&amp;rsquo;s the key thing to know:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br data-start=&quot;560&quot; data-end=&quot;563&quot; /&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Cold sores aren&amp;rsquo;t just random skin irritation&amp;mdash;they&amp;rsquo;re caused by a &lt;strong data-start=&quot;629&quot; data-end=&quot;638&quot;&gt;virus&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;527&quot; data-end=&quot;639&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-section-id=&quot;19me3uw&quot; data-start=&quot;641&quot; data-end=&quot;672&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Meet the culprit: HSV-1&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;673&quot; data-end=&quot;876&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Cold sores are caused by the &lt;strong data-start=&quot;702&quot; data-end=&quot;741&quot;&gt;herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)&lt;/strong&gt;. This is an extremely common virus&amp;mdash;many people are exposed to it during childhood or early adulthood, often without even realizing it.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;878&quot; data-end=&quot;1151&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Once HSV-1 enters your body, it stays there for life.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br data-start=&quot;931&quot; data-end=&quot;934&quot; /&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Don&amp;rsquo;t worry&amp;mdash;it doesn&amp;rsquo;t mean you&amp;rsquo;ll constantly have cold sores. Most of the time, the virus stays &amp;ldquo;asleep&amp;rdquo; in nearby nerve cells. But occasionally, it can reactivate and travel back to the skin, causing a new outbreak.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;878&quot; data-end=&quot;1151&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-section-id=&quot;rdfiwx&quot; data-start=&quot;1158&quot; data-end=&quot;1209&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;1162&quot; data-end=&quot;1209&quot;&gt;How do cold sores spread? (Spoiler: easily)&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;1210&quot; data-end=&quot;1317&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #cc99ff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;HSV-1 spreads through close personal contact, especially when the virus is active. Common ways include:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;1321&quot; data-end=&quot;1353&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Kissing (yes, even a quick peck)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;1356&quot; data-end=&quot;1393&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Sharing drinks, utensils, or straws&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;1396&quot; data-end=&quot;1463&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Sharing lip balm, lipstick, or skincare products around the mouth&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;1466&quot; data-end=&quot;1488&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Oral-to-skin contact&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;1490&quot; data-end=&quot;1630&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Important note:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br data-start=&quot;1505&quot; data-end=&quot;1508&quot; /&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;You can sometimes spread the virus &lt;strong data-start=&quot;1543&quot; data-end=&quot;1575&quot;&gt;even when no sore is visible&lt;/strong&gt;, though the risk is highest when a blister is present.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;1490&quot; data-end=&quot;1630&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-section-id=&quot;1xsnrec&quot; data-start=&quot;1637&quot; data-end=&quot;1672&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;1641&quot; data-end=&quot;1672&quot;&gt;Where do cold sores appear?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;1673&quot; data-end=&quot;1687&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #cc99ff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Most commonly:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;1690&quot; data-end=&quot;1703&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;On the lips&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;1706&quot; data-end=&quot;1735&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Along the edge of the mouth&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;1737&quot; data-end=&quot;1762&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #cc99ff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;But they can also appear:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;1765&quot; data-end=&quot;1782&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Around the nose&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;1785&quot; data-end=&quot;1800&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;On the cheeks&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;1803&quot; data-end=&quot;1857&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Inside the mouth (less common for HSV-1, but possible)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-section-id=&quot;1nenw2q&quot; data-start=&quot;1864&quot; data-end=&quot;1894&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;1868&quot; data-end=&quot;1894&quot;&gt;How long do they last?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;1895&quot; data-end=&quot;2130&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;A typical cold sore outbreak lasts about &lt;strong data-start=&quot;1936&quot; data-end=&quot;1952&quot;&gt;2 to 3 weeks&lt;/strong&gt; from start to finish. The sore will go through several stages (we&amp;rsquo;ll break that down in Part 2), eventually forming a scab and healing on its own&amp;mdash;usually without leaving a scar.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-section-id=&quot;ldbv6t&quot; data-start=&quot;2137&quot; data-end=&quot;2174&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;2141&quot; data-end=&quot;2174&quot;&gt;Why do they keep coming back?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;2175&quot; data-end=&quot;2322&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;After the first infection, HSV-1 stays in your body and may reactivate from time to time. These repeat episodes are called &lt;strong data-start=&quot;2298&quot; data-end=&quot;2321&quot;&gt;recurrent outbreaks&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;2324&quot; data-end=&quot;2348&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #cc99ff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Common triggers include:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2351&quot; data-end=&quot;2381&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Stress (emotional or physical)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2384&quot; data-end=&quot;2416&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Illness, especially with fever&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2419&quot; data-end=&quot;2475&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Sun exposure (yes, even a beach day can trigger it)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2478&quot; data-end=&quot;2516&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Hormonal changes (like menstruation)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2519&quot; data-end=&quot;2545&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Fatigue or lack of sleep&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2548&quot; data-end=&quot;2574&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;A weakened immune system&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;2576&quot; data-end=&quot;2699&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Not everyone gets frequent outbreaks&amp;mdash;some people may only have one in their lifetime, while others get them more regularly.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;2576&quot; data-end=&quot;2699&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-section-id=&quot;nsfq49&quot; data-start=&quot;2706&quot; data-end=&quot;2733&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;2710&quot; data-end=&quot;2733&quot;&gt;The reassuring part&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;2734&quot; data-end=&quot;2882&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Cold sores are very common and usually harmless. While they can be annoying, visible, and sometimes uncomfortable, they typically heal on their own.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;2884&quot; data-end=&quot;2923&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #cc99ff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;That said, treatments are available to:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2926&quot; data-end=&quot;2944&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Speed up healing&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2947&quot; data-end=&quot;2966&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Reduce discomfort&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2969&quot; data-end=&quot;3007&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Lower the chance of future outbreaks&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-section-id=&quot;1wpfm03&quot; data-start=&quot;3014&quot; data-end=&quot;3081&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;3017&quot; data-end=&quot;3081&quot;&gt;The Cold Sore Life Cycle (A Dramatic 5-Act Story)&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;3083&quot; data-end=&quot;3244&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Cold sores don&amp;rsquo;t just appear overnight&amp;mdash;they follow a fairly predictable sequence. Knowing the stages can help you catch one early and manage it more effectively.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4 data-section-id=&quot;1m2d44p&quot; data-start=&quot;3251&quot; data-end=&quot;3319&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #cc99ff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;3255&quot; data-end=&quot;3319&quot;&gt;Stage 1: The Warning Signs (The &amp;ldquo;Something&amp;rsquo;s coming&amp;hellip;&amp;rdquo; phase)&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;3320&quot; data-end=&quot;3425&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;This is called the &lt;strong data-start=&quot;3339&quot; data-end=&quot;3357&quot;&gt;prodrome stage&lt;/strong&gt;, and it usually happens &lt;strong data-start=&quot;3382&quot; data-end=&quot;3401&quot;&gt;1&amp;ndash;2 days before&lt;/strong&gt; a sore becomes visible.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;3427&quot; data-end=&quot;3444&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;You might notice:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;3447&quot; data-end=&quot;3457&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Tingling&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;3460&quot; data-end=&quot;3469&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Itching&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;3472&quot; data-end=&quot;3481&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Burning&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;3484&quot; data-end=&quot;3503&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Slight tenderness&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;This is your early warning system&amp;mdash;and the best time to start treatment if you have it on hand.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4 data-section-id=&quot;as21jx&quot; data-start=&quot;3606&quot; data-end=&quot;3664&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #cc99ff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;3610&quot; data-end=&quot;3664&quot;&gt;Stage 2: Blister Formation (The main event begins)&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;3665&quot; data-end=&quot;3744&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Small, fluid-filled blisters appear, often grouped together. These are usually:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;3747&quot; data-end=&quot;3772&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Red or slightly swollen&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;3775&quot; data-end=&quot;3794&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Tender or painful&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;3797&quot; data-end=&quot;3827&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Located along the lip border&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;3829&quot; data-end=&quot;3899&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;At this stage, the cold sore becomes more visible&amp;mdash;and more contagious.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4 data-section-id=&quot;1p7yqci&quot; data-start=&quot;3906&quot; data-end=&quot;3951&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #cc99ff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;3910&quot; data-end=&quot;3951&quot;&gt;Stage 3: Ulceration (The &amp;ldquo;pop&amp;rdquo; phase)&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;3952&quot; data-end=&quot;4036&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;The blisters may break open, releasing fluid and leaving behind shallow, open sores.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;4038&quot; data-end=&quot;4056&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;This stage can be:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;4059&quot; data-end=&quot;4083&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;The most uncomfortable&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;4086&quot; data-end=&quot;4107&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;The most contagious&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;4109&quot; data-end=&quot;4224&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Extra care is important here&amp;mdash;avoid touching the area and definitely avoid sharing anything that touches your mouth.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4 data-section-id=&quot;kw1gj1&quot; data-start=&quot;4231&quot; data-end=&quot;4284&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #cc99ff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;4235&quot; data-end=&quot;4284&quot;&gt;Stage 4: Crusting &amp;amp; Scabbing (Healing begins)&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;4285&quot; data-end=&quot;4350&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;The sore starts to dry out and form a crust or scab. It may look:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;4353&quot; data-end=&quot;4373&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Yellowish or brown&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;4376&quot; data-end=&quot;4392&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Cracked or dry&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;4394&quot; data-end=&quot;4532&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;At this point, healing is underway&amp;mdash;but the area can still be sensitive and prone to cracking, especially when talking, eating, or smiling.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4 data-section-id=&quot;1fucemd&quot; data-start=&quot;4539&quot; data-end=&quot;4579&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #cc99ff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;4543&quot; data-end=&quot;4579&quot;&gt;Stage 5: Recovery (Almost gone!)&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;4580&quot; data-end=&quot;4644&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;The scab falls off, and new skin forms underneath. There may be:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;4647&quot; data-end=&quot;4661&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Mild redness&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;4664&quot; data-end=&quot;4684&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Slight sensitivity&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;4686&quot; data-end=&quot;4741&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Most cold sores heal completely without leaving a scar.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;4686&quot; data-end=&quot;4741&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-section-id=&quot;1mkn4s3&quot; data-start=&quot;4748&quot; data-end=&quot;4791&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;4752&quot; data-end=&quot;4791&quot;&gt;First outbreak vs. repeat outbreaks&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;4792&quot; data-end=&quot;4876&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #cc99ff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;If it&amp;rsquo;s your first-ever cold sore, symptoms can be more intense and may include:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;4880&quot; data-end=&quot;4887&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Fever&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;4890&quot; data-end=&quot;4903&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Sore throat&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;4906&quot; data-end=&quot;4916&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Headache&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;4919&quot; data-end=&quot;4940&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Swollen lymph nodes&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;4943&quot; data-end=&quot;4960&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;General fatigue&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;4962&quot; data-end=&quot;4991&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #cc99ff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Future outbreaks are usually:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;4994&quot; data-end=&quot;5002&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Milder&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;5005&quot; data-end=&quot;5014&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Shorter&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;5017&quot; data-end=&quot;5043&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Located in the same spot&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-section-id=&quot;y5qw8&quot; data-start=&quot;5050&quot; data-end=&quot;5094&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;5054&quot; data-end=&quot;5094&quot;&gt;When should you seek medical advice?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;5095&quot; data-end=&quot;5184&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #cc99ff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;While most cold sores are harmless, it&amp;rsquo;s a good idea to consult a healthcare provider if:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;5188&quot; data-end=&quot;5233&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Your cold sores are very frequent or severe&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;5236&quot; data-end=&quot;5270&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;They don&amp;rsquo;t heal within 2&amp;ndash;3 weeks&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;5273&quot; data-end=&quot;5308&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;You have a weakened immune system&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;5311&quot; data-end=&quot;5342&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;The sores spread to your eyes&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;5345&quot; data-end=&quot;5408&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;You experience significant pain or difficulty eating/drinking&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;

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