Cold sore

Cold sores often begin with tingling/itching followed by painful blisters around the lips or face.

Common causes

Herpes simplex virus reactivation.

Risk factors

Eye-area involvement, immunocompromise, or very large sores needs medical assessment.

Red flags — seek urgent care

Eye pain/redness with facial sores needs urgent assessment.

Suggested next step

Avoid touching the sore or sharing personal items; seek review if severe, recurrent, or near the eye.

Symptoms linked to this condition

✓ At least one verified Saudi source and one independent global source are linked.

This page is general educational information, not a medical consultation. If symptoms are severe or worrying, contact a healthcare professional.