Cold sores or oral herpes are small blisters kind abrasions that occur due to the infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Cold sores generally occur on the face, around the lips, chin, cheeks and nostrils. They generally cause pain and itching before they burst. HSV is one of the most common viruses found to affect the population and it is endemic throughout the world. Up to 90% of people around the world have at least one form of HSV.