What is cold sore (herpes simplex)?

Oral herpes simplex is caused by human herpesviruses 1 and 2 (HSV-1 or HSV-2). It is characterized by small fluid-filled vesicles on the skin or a mucous membrane with a raised base often referred to as cold sores or fever blisters.

How do members experience cold sore (herpes simplex)?

Top 5 symptoms reported by people with cold sore (herpes simplex)*

*Reports may be affected by other conditions and/or medication side effects. We ask about general symptoms (anxious mood, depressed mood, fatigue, pain, and stress) regardless of condition.

Top treatments taken by people for cold sore (herpes simplex)*

Who has cold sore (herpes simplex) on PatientsLikeMe?

Age

Age Proportion # of patients
<20 2
20s 16
30s 42
40s 60
50s 41
60s 17
70+ 15

Distribution of sex

Sex

Sex Proportion # of patients
Male 56
Female 129