Which condition is commonly known as cold sores?

• A. Impetigo
• B. Pediculosis
• C. Herpes simplex
• D. Ringworm

Answer: (C)

Cold sores come from herpes simplex virus infection, most often herpes simplex virus type 1. That makes herpes simplex the answer. The condition typically presents as small fluid-filled blisters around the mouth that crust over as they heal, and the virus can remain latent in nerve cells and reactivate with triggers like sun exposure, stress, or illness. Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection with honey-colored crusts; pediculosis is caused by lice infestation; ringworm is a fungal infection that forms ring-shaped, scaly patches.