It's a type of herpes.
A cold sore is a herpes infection of the lip. Herpes simplex type I usually causes cold sores while type II usually causes genital herpes. Occasionally it can be the other way around.
The herpes virus causes cold sores to appear.
Yes, the common cold sore is a form of herpes.
Certain strains of the herpes virus cause cold sores. Herpes simplex virus type 1 usually causes cold sores.
A cold sore can't lead to herpes simplex two; they are a different virus.
A person has to be infected with the herpes virus (type 1) to get a cold sore.
Yes it is
Cold sores may be caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 or type 2. A person with a cold sore may pass the virus to someone else who has contact with the sores, or with the area just before the sores break out.
The question you ask is more complicated than you might guess, because there is missing information. Here are some facts that may be helpful.A cold sore, by definition, is caused by herpes. You can't have a cold sore that's not caused by herpes."Cold sore" is the common term for a blister or ulcer on the face caused by herpes simplex virus (either type 1 or type 2). There are other causes of facial blisters or ulcers, but these are not called cold sores. Herpes is a very common infection carried by the majority of adults.Just because this sore or blister wasn't caused by herpes, that doesn't mean you don't carry the virus. If the blister or sore was dried when it was tested, a false negative result is possible.Your health care provider can tell you whether this is a likely scenario in your particular case. If your cold sore wasn't caused by herpes, you may have one of these other illnesses or skin conditions.Aphthous ulcers, perlechiae, and burns can cause similar symptoms.
Unfortunately, even if there are no visible sores there is still a small chance that you can get herpes. The odds are low but you should get checked out.
herpes ophthalmicus