The herpes simplex type 1 virus, which is the main cause of cold sores, may be acquired by from an infected individual through saliva and most often through kissing. Once an individual has the virus, it may not develop directly into skin blisters but remain inactive in the nerves. In fact, some people with the herpes simplex type 1 virus do not experience cold sores. Others do not only experience this skin condition once but can also have recurring sores in a year or even in months. Although the virus may be inactive, it can lead to outbreak of these blisters when it is triggered by some risk factors.

You should avoid contact with people who already have sores. Don't even dare to touch the affected area. If you happen to touch fever blisters otherwise known as cold sores, then wash your hands immediately so that it doesn't spread to your face.

If you aren't sick and if you don't have hormone changes a lot, then you could get a cold blister from getting hurt. Any type of trauma or injury to the skin that is around your lips can cause blisters. Injury also means dry lips or cracked lips. It can also be caused from the injury your skin received from cosmetic surgery, chemical peels or laser therapy.

Cold sores, otherwise known as fever blisters, are not a disease. They are the outward sign, or symptom, of someone that is carrying the herpes simplex virus. It's interesting to note that almost 80% of the population, according to some estimates, is carrying the herpes simplex virus but very few of those people will ever experience a cold sore. For the rest of us the disease lies dormant throughout our lives. So now that you know what causes them, how can you prevent cold sores?

HSV or herpes simplex virus is the inner source of the cold sore. This virus is spread through direct contact with the skin and mucous membranes. When a person has a visible cold sore, the virus is in its most contagious state. The most common way to spread the virus is by kissing another person who has it. Sharing items like utensils, toothbrushes, razors, towels, and napkins.

There are several ways in which you can prevent cold sores. The first would be to avoid being kissed by someone who already has the infection. Sharing of things like utensils, facial towels, lip balm is not recommended as you can very easily pick the virus from them. Make sure that you wash or disinfect your hands after touching the infected area.

Well, it is an infection on the side of the lip which looks like a small scabby blister that usually grows itself on the outer edge of your lip. There are other references on how people call a cold sore. Another name that is used when referring to a cold sore is the name "fever blisters". Fever blisters are very uncomfortable infections that one receives on the side of their lips. They normally occur in a sort of purple reddish color.