Living with Cold Sores

ColdSore Information Center

Cold Sores are caused by the virus, Herpes Simplex 1, and are often referred to as such. The terms are interchangeable.

As noted, 70% of adults worldwide have been infected by the virus, most likely due to contact with another individual stricken with it. Kissing someone with a tiny cold sore you are not aware of can lead to having coldsores yourself.

For some there is no infection at all, as the virus stays dormant until late. For others, strong fever and a mouth ridden with pus and sores can occur that lasts for 2-3 weeks.

The Herpes virus is an fervent traveler. It goes from staying dormant towards the nerves of the mouth frequently, resulting in coldsores on the lining of your lips and around. Sometimes when it ends inside of your mouth, it is known as an cankersore.

Coldsores is called the “activation” of the Herpes virus.

What is it that activates the virus to cause a cold sore?

The Virus in the ganglion (the cells of the nerves) always travel through the same direction, which explains why it always occurs in the same place usually. The Coldsores are results of certain triggers that makes the virus come out of hiding, such as:

1. Sun Exposure, Sunshine

2. Harsh Wind to the skin can spread the herpes to the face.

3. Surgical or nonsurgical damage to the skin (such as facials, laser treatments, surgery)

4. Mental and emotional stress involving high levels of frustration

5. Lack of sleep, poor sleep

5. Physical stress on the body can aggravate skin breakouts of coldsores, such as period cycles, hiking activities, working out, etc.