Cold sores:

Cold sores are caused by a virus which is a member of the herpes family. This is a different virus to the one that causes shingles and genital herpes. This is a very common problem and about 20% of people have recurrent cold sores.

How do cold sores occur ?

The commonest area affected is the face, particularly around the mouth, lips and nose. Most people come into contact with the virus when they are children and it is often passed on by skin contact, such as kisses from a favourite Auntie who has a cold sore. Once the first episode of the infection has settled, the virus lives in the nerve and remains there forever. This usually causes no problems at all as the virus is inactive but occasionally it is reactivated. When this happens the virus spreads down the nerve to the area of the skin causing what we now recognise as a cold sore. No-one really knows why the virus is reactivated, but we do recognise there are several common 'triggers' to this:

Sunshine - cold sores often recur on holiday when we have been out in the sunshine
Menstruation - cold sores are common amongst women around the time of their periods
Illness - cold sores can flare up when anyone is ill with any viral illness such as flu or coughs and colds
Emotion - cold sores can recur when people are generally run down or stressed

Cold sore symptoms:

The first sign of a cold sore is usually a tingling sensation affecting the skin around the lips or nose a day or two before the blisters appear. After the tingling, 2 or 3 tiny blisters may appear which are usually painful. The blisters burst, weep and then are covered over by a scab. The scab will slowly heal over leaving no scar. This can take several days.

Can cold sores be passed on ?

The commonest way to transmit cold sores is to kiss someone when there is an open cold sore on the lip. It does not usually spread when there are no symptoms or when the virus is inactive.

Cold Sore Treatments:

There is no effective treatment that will completely eradicate the herpes virus from the nerve. Once you are infected with the virus, it is there for life, although it may only cause problems occasionally. Sunscreen lip balms may help to prevent the eruption of cold sores in the summer and once the cold sore has flare up, then simple painkillers like paracetamol, can help to relieve the symptoms. An anti-viral cream is available, either over the counter at a pharmacy or on prescription from your general practitioner which does not kill the virus, but prevents the virus from replicating. This may not completely settle an attack but it will help to reduce the discomfort and length of the attack and this is most likely to be effective if it is used as soon as possible after the onset of the tingling.

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice or substituted for professional advice. Always consult your doctor with your questions and concerns.