Cold Sores
Cold sores usually appear as tiny blisters on the lip. Cold sores are caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which is passed from person to person via skin contact or saliva. Approximately 8 out of 10 people have HSV-1, and most are infected by the time they are 10.
For most people, when they are infected, the virus is dormant in the nerves of the face. However, for some people the virus becomes active at times causing cold sores. Cold sore outbreaks can be triggered by stress, trauma to the lips, sun exposure, colds or fever.
HSV-1 can also affect the eyes, and skin on the fingers and genitals. However, most cases of genital herpes are caused by herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2).
