Fever Blisters Directory

Fever blisters, also called cold sores, are painful infections caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Blisters may show up anywhere on your body but are most likely to appear on your gums, the outside of your mouth and lips, your nose, cheeks, or fingers. The sores usually last seven to 10 days and are contagious until they crust over completely. Although cold sores generally are not serious, the infection can cause significant health problems for some people, including people with a weakened immune system. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about how fever blisters are contracted, what they looks like, how to treat them, and much more.

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