A cold sore typically does not present as a painless small bump that remains unchanged for three days. Cold sores, caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), usually follow a more dynamic pattern: ...

Yes, a cold sore typically starts as a small painless bump on your lip that may not change much in appearance over the first few days. Cold sores are usually caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) and can be contagious during outbreaks. If you suspect it might be a cold sore, it's best to avoid close contact with others to prevent spreading the infection.