What is cold sore (herpes simplex)?
Oral herpes simplex is caused by human herpesviruses 1 and 2 (HSV-1 or HSV-2). It is characterized by small fluid-filled vesicles on the skin or a mucous membrane with a raised base often referred to as cold sores or fever blisters.
How do members experience cold sore (herpes simplex)?
Top 5 symptoms reported by people with cold sore (herpes simplex)*
Common symptoms
How bad it is
What people are taking for it
Common symptom
Fatigue
How bad it is
What people are taking for it
Common symptom
Pain
How bad it is
What people are taking for it
Common symptom
Depressed mood
How bad it is
What people are taking for it
Common symptom
Anxious mood
How bad it is
What people are taking for it
*Reports may be affected by other conditions and/or medication side effects. We ask about general symptoms (anxious mood, depressed mood, fatigue, pain, and stress) regardless of condition.
Top treatments taken by people for cold sore (herpes simplex)*
Who has cold sore (herpes simplex) on PatientsLikeMe?
| Age | Proportion | # of patients |
|---|---|---|
| <20 | 5 | |
| 20s | 24 | |
| 30s | 47 | |
| 40s | 60 | |
| 50s | 46 | |
| 60s | 21 | |
| 70+ | 16 |
Distribution of sex
| Sex | Proportion | # of patients |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 59 | |
| Female | 147 |