Cold Sore Facts

Yes. cold sores are caused by the Herpes virus, but, it is rarely the same virus strain that causes genital herpes. Cold sores are typically caused by Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1).

Genital Herpes on the other hand is usually caused by a different strain of the virus called Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV2). However, it is possible to transfer the different viruses to other areas of the body. HSV1 (or cold sores) can be transferred to the genitals through oral sex. In the same way, HSV2 (or genital herpes) can be transferred to the mouth.

Cold sores are very common. It is estimated that 80% percent of the American population have been exposed to the Herpes simplex virus (which is the virus that causes cold sores). Further statistics on herpes infection rates.

An interesting fact is that although a person has been infected with the herpes and cold sore virus, they may not necessarily experience an outbreak. This is because some people’s immune systems have the ability to completely suppress the virus.

Cold sores are usually confined to the mouth area (particularly on and around the lip). See photos of cold sores here.

Less commonly, cold sores can occur on other facial areas such as above the mouth, the nose, nostrils, cheek or chin.

Cold sores can also appear on the fingers, this is referred to as ‘Herpes Whitlow‘.

Cold sores do not usually occur inside the mouth, however if they do, it is most likely on the gums or hard palette (roof of the mouth). If the lesion appears inside the mouth, especially on the soft tissue, it is most likely to be a canker sore, not a cold sore. When cold sores recur they will typically appear in the same location that they did during previous outbreaks.

What are symptoms of a cold sore?

Cold sores or fever blisters are caused by the Herpes simplex virus and are usually relatively easy to identify. There is another condition which can cause ulcers inside the mouth known as Canker sores. Canker sores are not a form of Herpes, however, they are often confused and mistaken for cold sores.

Canker sores are ulcerations, especially of the lip or oral mucosa and can be caused by acute stress, trauma to the area in your mouth, allergies, or by a reaction to a particular bacteria. Canker sores are not considered to be contagious. Cold sores and mouth Herpes on the other hand are caused by the Herpes simplex virus and can be very contagious.

If you are experiencing ulcerations on or inside of your mouth please visit your health care provider for a professional diagnosis. These two conditions can appear very similar and should not be self-diagnosed. Click here for other conditions like cold sores.

Cold sores are generally contracted from skin to skin contact with an infected area. For example, if someone has a cold sore on their lip they can pass on the virus to another person’s mouth through kissing.

The usual incubation period of the virus (time before any symptoms show) is approximately two to twelve days after the first exposure to the virus. As most people contract cold sores before the age of seven, it is common for a person not to remember their first or ‘primary’ cold sore outbreak.

Once infected with cold sores, the virus remains inside the body in a latent (sleeping) state. Throughout a person’s life the virus can then become “activated” causing a cold sore recurrence.

There are many factors that can influence or “trigger” a cold sore outbreak, however, it seems to be related to times when the immune system is lowered or run down.

Cold sore outbreaks can sometimes be triggered by the following:

• Being run-down
• Menstruation Cycle
• Pregnancy
• Drinking a lot of alcohol
• Exposure of the area to strong sunlight
• Conditions that compromise a person’s immune system (where the body’s immune system is not functioning normally)
• Prolonged periods of stress
• Fatigue
• Ultraviolet light
• Skin irritation (such as sunburn and chafing)
• Diet and certain foods
• Another illness (especially with fever)
• Temperature extremes
• Steroid medication (e.g. asthma medication)

Anything that lowers your immune system or causes local injury can trigger recurrences. By taking Immune Support tablets you can help reduce your chance of having a cold sore breakout by assisting your immune systems against viruses such as the cold sore virus (HSV).

Yes. Cold sores are caused by the Herpes simplex virus and, if the virus particles are transferred to another person, they too can become infected.

Cold sores are typically spread by direct skin-to-skin contact with the virus. Kissing or rubbing against the infected area are common examples of how the virus particles can be transferred. See below for more information.

Cold sores are considered to be most contagious when the blisters have burst open and have begun to weep fluid. This is because the liquid held in these blisters contains literally millions of Herpes simplex virus particles.

During an outbreak, the population of virus particles becomes less and less as the cold sore runs its course. There is a much smaller amount of virus particles present when the sore is healing and when the scab has formed.

However, as there are still virus particles present throughout every phase of the cold sore outbreak, the infected area is still considered to be contagious until the skin has completely healed.

If a person has an active cold sore on their lip, the virus particles can be transferred to any part of the body that they kiss, including the mouth, face or the genitals.

Keeping this in mind, it is very important to avoid kissing and oral sex during an active bout of cold sores. It should also be made aware that the virus is considered to be contagious from the very first sign of an outbreak (including the tingling, itching stage) until the area is completely healed again.

It is important to take precautions during an active cold sore outbreak to prevent the virus from spreading. Supplements such as Combined Lysine Formula and Immune Support Formula can reduce the activity of the cold sore virus (the time it is contagious for) and may help prevent recurrences.

Can cold sores be transferred to another area of the body?

Herpes and cold sores are most easily spread when a sore is present, but, the virus can also be spread at other times too. Some people notice itching, tingling or other sensations before they see anything on their skin.

These are called “Prodromal Symptoms” and they warn that the virus may be present on the skin. Herpes is most likely to be spread from the time these first symptoms are noticed until the area is completely healed and the skin looks normal again.

Contact with the infected area (including oral sex, kissing and touch) is very risky during this time. It is also possible to transmit virus particles to another person through intermediate objects such as a drinking glass, eating utensil, lip stick, lip gloss, toothbrush, or even a face cloth.

Cold sores will go away naturally by themselves without any treatment. However, you can speed the healing time of cold sore symptoms by using some simple home remedies and by taking certain supplements such as Lysine. If outbreaks are very frequent or severe talk to your Doctor about prescription medications that might be helpful.

A balanced diet with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, that is low in arginine, is also recommended if the cold sores occur frequently.

Below are some cold sore remedies that can temporarily help to relieve the symptoms:

Ice

can be applied to the sores to both numb and soothe the area, as well as lower the temperature of the infection, helping to inhibit the virus.

Cold tea bags

applied to the infected area every hour may be beneficial. This is because tea bags contain tannic acid which is thought to have antiviral properties, best used at the first sign of an outbreak.

Petroleum jelly and other lip moisturizers

can soothe and moisten the lips, helping to prevent the cold sore scabs from cracking and bleeding.

1. Be Sun Smart

Exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet rays can trigger a breakout of cold sores. To help protect yourself 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).

2. Moisturize

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 moisturizing lip balm can help here.

3. Choose an Effective Treatment

The right management of your cold sores can make a difference. Try not to use several products at once as this can irritate your skin. Simple remedies such as ice, honey and diluted teatree work well for many people, or visit a drugstore for specific ointments made for cold sores.

4. Take the right supplements

Lysine is an amino acid that helps to slow down the growth of the cold sore virus and to reduce its activity. When you combine it with Vitamin C, Bioflavonoids and Zinc it helps to heal the sores quickly and clear active symptoms. contains all of these supplements in one tablet.

4. Boost your immune system with herbs

Herbs in the Immune Support Formula have been proven to reduce viral shedding in clinical studies and can help your body fight the virus from the inside, at the cell level. This guaranteed potency blend of herbs can boost your body’s natural resistance against cold sores, which means fewer and less severe breakouts.

5. Healthy Living

By taking better care of yourself you can help your body defend against the virus, reducing the possibility of an occurrence. Good rest, exercise and fresh fruit and vegetable juices will assist in strengthening the immune system (your body’s natural defence system against viruses, such as Herpes).