Prodrome, the first phase or a cold sore outbreak:
During prodome, the outbreak area gets warm and painful; tingling is also associated with this first stage.
Macules, the second stage of a cold sore outbreak:
Area becomes red, which is the result of hypersensitivity or allergic reaction, occurring because of the cold sore virus
Papules, stage three of a cold sore outbreak:
At this point papules, which are small red bumps, form in the affected area. These bumps usually come with a throbbing type of pain in the area as well.
Vesicles, the outbreak stage of the herpes simplex virus:
Here is when you begin to see the common sight of blisters and it is obvious that there is an outbreak. The blisters are filled with fluid and colorless, and are called vesticles. Vesticles can be very painful.
Postules, stage 5 of a herpes outbreak:
At this stage a clear liquid becomes yellow and pus forms. At this stage, the herpes lesions are called postules.
Crust, Stage 6 of an outbreak, and healing begins.
A yellowish crust forms on the affected area.
Scab, phase 7 of an oral herpes outbreak:
Area becomes reddish and dry. Often, the area itches noticably at this point in the healing process.
Healing, phase 8 of the oral herpes outbreak:
The scab comes off, the area begins to look normal again, a sign that the strain of herpes virus that causes mouth sores is retreating and going into hiding again.
Herbal Remedies for cold sores - folk medicine info