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General health information

Cold sores

A cold sore is usually an infection with herpes simplex virus type 1. It often starts with tingling, burning or itching on the lip, followed by blisters and crusts. The virus then stays in the body and may reactivate because of stress, sunlight, illness or tiredness. A cold sore is infectious, particularly when blisters or wet sores are present. Take extra care around the eyes, newborns and people with a weakened immune system. Cold sores are very common and nothing to be ashamed of.

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  • A cold sore is usually a herpes simplex infection on or around the lip.
  • It often starts with tingling or burning, followed by blisters and crusts.
  • The area is infectious, especially when blisters or wet fluid are present.
  • Do not touch your eyes after contact with the sore, and do not kiss a newborn baby.
  • Cold sores are very common and nothing to be ashamed of.

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G
Genital herpesGenital herpes is a common infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. The first outbreak may be painful, with blisters, sores or burning, but many people have mild symptoms or none at all. You can pass on the virus without visible blisters too. Herpes needs extra attention during pregnancy because a newborn baby can become seriously unwell.
I
ImpetigoImpetigo is an infectious bacterial skin infection. It often causes red areas, blisters or sores with yellow or honey-coloured crusts, frequently around the nose and mouth but also elsewhere. Good hygiene helps limit spread: wash hands, do not scratch crusts open, do not share towels and keep nails short. It is more common in children, but adults can get it too. Call a doctor if areas spread rapidly, are near the eyes, are very painful or recur, if someone has a weakened immune system, or if fever or feeling ill develops.
H
Hand, foot and mouth diseaseHand, foot and mouth disease is a viral infection that mainly affects young children. It often starts with a fever, sore throat or loss of appetite, followed by painful mouth ulcers and blisters or spots on the hands and feet. The illness usually clears up on its own, but a sore mouth can make drinking difficult. Watch closely for dehydration, unusual drowsiness and difficulty breathing.