Cold sores begin as a numb or tingly spot on the lip or nose, and quickly progress to become painful oozing blisters. When they are formed on the lips (which are often stretched) cold sores can take days to heal and become extremely unsightly. Often, they are triggered by something, but within the same person they can occur in the same place in and around the mouth or nose. But, what is the ultimate cause of cold sores?
Causes of Cold Sores
Cold sores are a form of the herpes virus, known as herpes simplex I. This virus is extremely contagious and can be passed on from person to person through direct contact. Most times the person that is contagious has a visible blister, but sometimes herpes can be spread by people with no visible symptoms.
Dormancy
The herpes virus lives in the ends of nerve cells. After the cold sore symptoms disappear the virus can still live within the nerve cells and begin to reproduce again at any time. When someone has a cold sore, chances are future cold sores will be in the same spot on the mouth or nose. Although, it is possible to infect other places on the lips and nose within the same individual.
Later Infections
Once a person contracts this herpes virus, it usually stays with him throughout his life. It can become dormant for weeks to years, but once you have had one cold sore, chances are you will have another one in the future.
Causes of Eruptions
Several factors can make cold sores erupt. Fevers associated with colds (hence the name "cold sore"), flu, or other illness can trigger an outbreak. Hormonal fluctuations, such as those that occur before the menstrual period can also be a trigger. Other factors that can bring out cold sores include stress, sun exposure, and changes to the immune system.
Prevention/Solution
There is little you can do to prevent an outbreak of cold sores if you are susceptible to them. Anti-viral medications such as acyclovir can be effective, but must be taken daily (which is perhaps not necessary if outbreaks are few and far between). Using sunblock is another way to stop ultraviolet radiation from initiating an outbreak. Over the counter medications are not effective at preventing outbreaks but can reduce the length and severity of a cold sore.
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