WHAT ARE COLD SORES?

Cold sores are red, fluid-filled, painful blisters that form near the mouth, on the lips or on other areas of the face. In some cases, cold sores may appear on the inside of the mouth.^3,4

They are highly contagious with an estimated 64 % of the world’s population under 50 years old being affected (HSV-1).^3,5 Cold sores spread from person to person through direct contact with an infected area i.e. oral-to-oral contact like kissing.^3,4 Lesions usually heal within 14 days.³

Most cases of cold sores are caused by a virus called herpes simplex virus (HSV-1).³ The virus enters the body through a crack or damage in the skin thereafter it remains dormant in the body, periodically reactivating to cause symptoms.⁶ The infection is often first transmitted in early childhood,⁶ but many people are unaware they have it and can unknowingly pass the virus on to others.⁵ Once you have contracted the virus, you may develop a cold sore when the virus is ‘triggered’.^4,6

During the first cold sore infection, what is known as the primary infection, you may feel that you have a fever and may feel generally ill.⁴ This is normal for a first infection.⁴

A cold sore, if left untreated, can last up to 14 days or longer.³ It typically progresses through 5 stages.³

The herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) is the cause of the infection however the infection can be reactivated by triggers such as psychological and environmental factors.^4,6 It may be helpful to identify what your cold sore triggers are so you can manage them to help avoid developing a cold sore.⁵

Here are some of the more common cold sore triggers:^4,5,6