* Cold sores, known medically as herpes labialis are very common and are easily recognised because they often appear as blisters around the lips and mouth.They pop up in response to a viral infection.
* They are often uncomfortable and can make some people feel very self-conscious.
* The earlier you treat a cold sore, the better.
* The best time to start treatment is when that tingling sensation first happens, before any visible sign of cold sore appears.
* If you miss it, don't worry, it's not too late to treat!


Stages of the virus

* After the itchy, tingly stage, the site of the cold sore gradually develops into a blister or a small group of blisters, surrounded by red and swollen skin.
* After a day or so these burst to produce the typical open sore.
* Like a sore anywhere on your body, these sores gradually dry up and form a crusty scab, which is usually a yellow-brown colour.
* The sore gradually heals.
* The scab falls off over a few days and should completely disappear after around 10 days, or faster with the use of Zovirax Cold Sore Cream.
* The area may be a bit swollen for few days.