Cold Sores Symptoms

The first symptom that may appear during an outbreak of cold sores may include tingling, burning, or itching in the area around the mouth or nose. This first portion of the outbreak is known as the prodromal stage or period.

Within a few hours to days, the area may become reddened and develop small fluid-filled blisters. Several of these small blisters may even come together and form one large blister.

Symptoms may include:

• tingling of the lips
• small blisters on the lips and mouth that enlarge, burst, then crust over
• itching and irritation of the lips and mouth
• soreness of the lips and mouth