What are Cold Sores and why do they happen?
Cold sores are caused by a microscopic virus which most people are exposed to at some point in their lives, they tend to appear when the body's immune system is run down or when there is some sort of injury to that skin area. For example being sick, under stress, not getting enough sleep, eating poorly or having sunburn or chaffed lips can aggravate and bring on a cold sore for some people.
Does everyone get Cold Sores?
Cold sores are very common and most people will have to deal with them at one time or another. In fact, it is estimated that over 75% of the adult population contain antibodies to the cold sore virus.[1] This means that 3 out of 4 adults have been exposed to the virus and may experience symptoms at some stage in their life.
What do they look like?
Before a cold sore appears the area will sometimes tingle, feel slightly raised and may appear red and inflamed. This pain or tingling feeling can often be felt a couple of days before a cold sore appears. A cold sore typically starts off as a small, fluid filled blister, or cluster of blisters, which goes through a series of phases. The blister will usually weep and form a scab or crusting before healing and disappearing completely. A typical cold sore episode will disappear in 1 to 2 weeks if no treatment is used.[2]
Cold Sores are most commonly found on and around the mouth area, particularly on the lips. They can also appear on other facial areas such as the nostrils, cheek or chin. Occasionally, the infection can be transferred to the eyes, genitals or fingers through direct contact with an active infection. You can read helpful information about preventing transmission below.
How can a person get Cold Sores?
Cold Sores are typically transmitted by direct contact between a person's skin and the active cold sore virus. For example, a person could pass the virus onto another person's mouth through kissing or by sharing a drink or cigarette while they have an active cold sore. The usual time before any symptoms begin to show is 2 to 20 days after the first contact with the virus.[3]
What precautions should you take if you have a Cold Sore?
Cold Sores can be contagious so it is important to take extra care not to spread them whenever you see or feel any symptoms. This includes being careful when there is any sign of itching, redness or tingling, or when the cold sore is visible or healing.
- Do not share food or drinks, make-up, cigarettes, or any objects that may have come into direct contact with the infected area
- Do not touch the cold sore. If you do, wash your hands as soon as possible
- Do not use saliva to clean your contact lenses
- Be mindful of touching the eyes
- Do not pick the scab if one forms, this could cause a scar or prolong healing
- Avoid kissing or performing oral sex
How can the symptoms go away faster?
Cold Sores often take several days to heal and can very quickly affect a person's social self-esteem. A recent advancement in cold sore care means that cold sore symptoms may not have to cause the pain and suffering that they used to. One application of Dynamiclear Rapid can help to reduce the healing time of symptoms.
In clinical trials, Dynamiclear Rapid demonstrated relief of cold sore symptoms after one application, including assisting with the reduction of blisters, redness and pain.
Talk to your pharmacy for more information.
What can be done to help prevent a cold sore attack?
There are lots of things that you can do to help stop cold sore symptoms from reoccurring.
Healthy living
By taking better care of yourself you can help your body defend against the cold sore virus, reducing the possibility of a recurrence. Good rest, a positive attitude, exercise and a healthy diet will assist in strengthening the immune system.
Be sun smart
Exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet rays can trigger a cold sore breakout for some people. To help protect your skin, wear a hat when you are outside in the sun and use a lip balm that contains sunscreen, preferably one with an SPF rating of 15+ or higher.
Moisturise
Damage to your lips can bring on an episode of cold sores, so it is important to keep your lips protected from chapping and wind burn. A moisturising lip balm can help here.
Situations that may provoke a Cold Sore for some people
It is not really known exactly what causes the cold sore virus to reactivate but both physical and emotional factors may play a part. Being aware of these potential triggers may help you to reduce the chances of the symptoms returning.
The rate in which cold sores come and go vary from person to person. Some people might never or only very rarely experience a cold sore, while others may find that they 'pop up' regularly. Experiencing a cold sore 2 to 4 times per year is fairly average.
- Sun exposure, ultraviolet light and extreme changes in the weather
- Not getting enough sleep, exhaustion or being fatigued
- Injury, trauma or irritation to the area
- Intense dental work
- Any condition which affects the immune system, including a previous or recent illness, flu or vaccination
- Emotional, mental or physical stress
- Pregnancy, menstruation, menopause or other hormonal changes
- Steroid based medication (eg, asthma medication)
- Drinking a lot of alcohol
- Taking certain drugs or medications
- Excessive amounts of some foods, such as chocolate or nuts
- Eating poorly, such as large amounts of processed or refined foods
- A surgery or physical injury which weakens the overall body system
- A particularly stressful event
Cold sore breakouts tend to happen when the body's immune system is vulnerable. This is why maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle, balanced thinking and avoiding or reducing certain triggers can help to prevent cold sores from happening altogether.
1. Cunningham A.L., et al, (2006) "Prevalence of infection with herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 in Australia: a nationwide population based survey", Sexually Transmitted Infections Research Centre: University of Sydney, Apr;82(2):164-8
2. D. Scott Smith, M.D., (2008) "MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Herpes labialis", US National Library of Medicine
3. Hilton, Lisette., (2002) "Cold Sore", Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health