How To: Reduce cold sores (herpes simplex)

This video shows you how to reduce cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus. You will see small blisters, or cold sores, on your lips. Most people are infected with this virus as children. It can recur at any point later in life. This is type one. There is a second type called type two, and this causes blisters in the genital area. The first symptoms come with in two or three weeks of first contact. The blisters usually last for seven to ten days and will subside on their own. Topical medicines will reduce the symptoms. In severe cases oral medication can help. It is important to keep the area clean and to avoid infecting other people. Call your doctor if there are severe symptoms, if you have blisters in or near your eye, or if you have problems with your immune system.