What are the most common symptoms of cold sores?
The initial symptoms occur within 1 or 2 weeks, and sometimes as late as 3 weeks following exposure. Warning symptoms of burning, itching, sensitivity and/ or tingling usually occurs within two days before a lesion is noticed. The blister itself is usually raised, red and filled with a clear or yellowish fluid. The lesions usually last from 7 to 10 days and then begin to recede. The virus resides in the nerve root and causes recurrent outbreaks at or near the original site. Repeat outbreaks after the initial one are usually milder.
