Cold sores typically last between 7 to 14 days, with most healing completely within 1 to 3 weeks. The usual course involves several stages:
- Tingling and itching: This prodrome stage occurs a day or so before blisters appear.
- Blister formation: Small fluid-filled blisters form, often grouped on or around the lips.
- Oozing and crusting: Blisters burst, ooze fluid, and then crust over forming a scab.
- Healing: The scab falls off and the skin heals without scarring.
Cold sores usually heal on their own within 7 to 10 days, but can last up to 2 to 3 weeks, especially during the first outbreak or in people with weakened immune systems
. Treatment with antiviral creams or medications can help speed healing and reduce severity.
