A cold sore is a very common infection that appears as blisters on the lip. The virus stays in the body for life and reactivates in response to certain triggers, which are very common in summer.
Why do they appear?
They’re caused by the herpes simplex virus, which stays dormant and reactivates when your defences are low. Strong sun, fever, stress and tiredness are the most common triggers, which is why they’re so frequent during the summer months.
How to prevent them
You can’t get rid of the virus, but you can reduce outbreaks:
- Protect your lips from the sun. Use a lip balm with SPF: sun exposure is one of the main triggers in summer.
- Look after your defences. Sleeping well and managing stress helps avoid reactivations.
- Avoid passing it on. During an outbreak don’t share glasses, towels or cutlery, and avoid direct contact with the sore.
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Is there a treatment for cold sores?
Yes. Antivirals in cream or tablet form, applied at the first tingling symptom, shorten the outbreak. If it's very recurrent, it's worth getting it assessed.
Written by Dr. Jorge Utrilla Gómez Director
Related service Oral Medicine See the treatment for oral medicine
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