Why Do I Get Cold Sores

Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are a prevalent viral infection that can be a frustrating and unpleasant problem for many people. But with the right knowledge and understanding, it is possible to reduce the frequency and severity of cold sore outbreaks. In this article, we will explore the causes of cold sores and provide tips and strategies for managing and preventing them.

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 or HSV-2, less commonly) and are highly contagious. The virus lies dormant in the body and can reactivate when the immune system is weakened, causing an outbreak. Cold sores can be controlled and prevented by boosting the immune system, managing triggers, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

In this article, we will delve deeper into the causes of cold sores and provide more detailed information on the symptoms, how to manage and also how to prevent them. So, keep reading to learn more about how to effectively manage and prevent cold sores.

Overview

Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are a prevalent viral infection.¹ It is believed that a significant proportion of the global population, around one-third, have had symptoms of HSV-1 at some point in their lives.²

Cold sores are characterised by small, fluid-filled blisters on or around the lips.¹ These blisters often appear in clusters, and after they burst, a scab will form that can take several days to heal.¹ Typically, cold sores will heal within a two to three-week period without leaving any scarring.¹ Cold sores can be triggered by a weakened immune system, exposure to certain triggers and certain lifestyle habits. While cold sores cannot be cured, it is possible to manage and prevent outbreaks by boosting the immune system, managing triggers, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Causes of cold sores

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), of which there are two types: HSV type 1 and type 2.³ Cold sores are most commonly caused by HSV type 1 but can also be caused by HSV type 2.³ Cold sores are highly contagious and can be transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact or through contact with a sore or blister.⁴ Once infected, the virus remains in the body for life and can cause recurrent outbreaks.⁴

After getting infected with herpes simplex virus, the virus lies dormant in the body.¹ Some factors can contribute to the reactivation of the virus and cause cold sore outbreaks, such as:

• Stress
• Lack of sleep
• Illness, like viral infections or fever
• Exposure to sunlight or wind
• Hormonal changes¹

Signs and symptoms

Common symptoms of cold sores can include:

• Formation of painful blisters
• A sensation of itchiness, burning and tingling around the affected area
• Some young children or those who have a cold sore for the first time may also experience fever, painful gums, sore throat, headache, swollen lymph nodes or muscle aches.^1,3

Management and treatment for cold sores

Although there is currently no cure for cold sores, treatment options are available to help manage outbreaks.⁵ Cold sores generally clear up without treatment in two to four weeks. However, if you're looking to speed up the healing process, there are several types of options you can choose from. ⁵ These include:

• Prescription antiviral medications:

1. Acyclovir (Zovirax)
2. Valacyclovir (Valtrex)
3. Famciclovir
4. Penciclovir (Denavir)⁵

These antiviral medications can be taken in the form of pills or applied as creams to the sores several times a day. In general, pills tend to be more effective than creams.⁵ If you choose to use cream, it is important to use antiviral creams as soon as you recognise the early symptoms, such as tingling or itching. This is because once the blisters have formed, the creams may not be as effective in reducing the duration and severity of the outbreak.⁶

• Cold sore patches: they help to protect the skin while the cold sore heals⁶
• Over-the-counter creams and ointments: Non-prescription creams and ointments, such as docosanol (Abreva), can be applied to the sore to help relieve pain and itching⁵

FAQs

How common are cold sores?

Cold sores are pretty common-according to a 2016 study, an estimated 13.2% of the world's population aged 15-49 years were living with HSV-2 infection, and 66.6% of 0-49 year-olds had HSV-1 infection.⁷

Are cold sores contagious?

Yes, cold sores are highly contagious. The contagiousness of cold sores begins as soon as you can feel tingling or other symptoms of an impending outbreak, and continues until the sore has fully healed.⁶

How are cold sores diagnosed?

Cold sores can be easily diagnosed thanks to the typical symptoms: formation of a blister followed by a sensation of itchiness, burning and tingling. Most people who already had a cold sore before can recognise the signs, and usually, there is no need to go to the doctor.³

How can I prevent cold sores?

To avoid being infected with HSV-1, you should avoid kissing, intimate contact or oral sex with someone who has a cold sore. Additionally, it is also important to try to avoid the triggers, such as stress, lack of sleep or direct exposure to sunlight or wind. Eating a healthy diet and staying hydrated is also important to support your immune system.⁸

When should I see a doctor?

If your cold sore has not begun to improve after 10 days or if it is particularly large or painful. Additionally, if you or your child is experiencing swollen and painful gums or sores in the mouth in addition to the cold sore, it is important to seek medical attention. It is also important to see your doctor if you have a weakened immune system, such as due to chemotherapy or diabetes, as this can impede the healing process. And finally, if you are experiencing frequent and recurrent cold sores.^1,6

Summary

Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are a prevalent viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). These small, fluid-filled blisters appear on or around the lips and are highly contagious. The symptoms of cold sores are essentially always the same, and include the formation of painful blisters, followed by itchiness, burning and tingling around the affected area. Some young children or those who have a cold sore for the first time may experience fever, painful gums, sore throat, headache, swollen lymph nodes or muscle aches. Cold sores typically heal within a two to three-week period without leaving any scarring. The virus lies dormant in the body and can reactivate when the immune system is weakened or thanks to stress, lack of sleep, exposure to sunlight or wind and hormonal changes, causing an outbreak. Cold sores can be controlled and prevented by boosting the immune system, managing triggers, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Treatment options include prescription antiviral medications, cold sore patches and over-the-counter creams and ointments, such as docosanol (Abreva), which can be applied to the sore to help relieve pain and itching.