Cold sores are caused by the common virus herpes simplex. Once a person has been infected, the virus lies dormant in the nerves supplying feeling to the face. The virus can subsequently be reactivated, presenting as cold sores on the lips.

Common Triggers Include:

• Ultraviolet (UV) light from sunshine or sunbed exposure.
• Emotional stress or exhaustion.
• Common cold, ‘flu or feverish illness.
• Feeling physically low or fatigued leading to a weakened immune system.
• Menstruation.
• Exposure to extreme temperatures or weather conditions.
• Pregnancy.
• An injury to the mouth, surgical operation or dental treatment.
• A knock on the lips or face.

What Treatment is Available

Cold sores should be treated as soon as you feel one developing (the tingle stage) as this can reduce the duration of the cold sore by up to 50%.
It’s never too late to start treating cold sores as even in the blister stage, antiviral creams are effective.
Treatment with an antiviral cream will also help prevent the spread of the virus.