Cold sores 101

"I love cold sores," said no one, ever. We get it, cold sores are no fun. 

1.      What are cold sores?

 Cold sores are blisters that appear around or in the mouth and nose and are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Once infected, a person carries the virus for life.1

2.      Why are they called that?

The name "cold sore" is due to the common cold being a trigger for flare ups.

3.      What else causes cold sores to flare up?

Common triggers for cold sores include:3 4

• Stress
• Tiredness and fatigue
• Hormonal fluctuations (such as in menstruation)
• Being sick with an illness that can cause fever (such as flu, a cold or a chest infection)
• Broken skin around the mouth and nose
• Sun and wind exposure

Knowing your own triggers and working to avoid them can help limit your potential for recurring cold sores.

4.      How do I know if I have a cold sore?

HSV infection is sometimes asymptomatic, meaning you may not show any symptoms.1 However, you may feel a tingling or slightly stinging sensation around the lips, mouth or nose, usually followed by the appearance of a blister that crusts over and eventually falls off. You may also experience fever, nausea, headaches, mouth pain and swelling, sore throat, swollen glands and dehydration.

5.      Are cold sores common?

Absolutely. The vast majority of adults - around 90% - have cold sore antibodies in their bodies, meaning they have been in contact with the virus.2 Really, you're a unicorn if you've never had one!

6.      Are they contagious?

Yes. While the fluid in the blisters is mostly the cause of infection, it's possible to pass on HSV even when there aren't any visible blisters.1 

7.      So, I’ve got a cold sore. How can I stop it spreading?

Cold sores are very contagious – definitely not a time to overshare! When you have one, avoid:

• sharing personal items (e.g., toothbrushes, glasses, bottles, cutlery, towels)
• kissing others (especially babies, children and the sick)
• touching your eyes (to help prevent spreading the infection to your eyes)
• touching your cold sore (wash your hands if you do and after applying cream)

8.      Should I be concerned about my cold sore?

You definitely shouldn't be embarrassed. Cold sores very common and aren't usually a serious condition. However, they can affect babies, the immunocompromised and people with eczema more severely.1 Talk to your Pharmacist or GP if you are unsure.

9.      What should I do if I have one?

Treat with an antiviral product as soon as you feel the tingle or pain. This will reduce the severity of the outbreak.1 You can also use an ointment base to help speed up healing.

10.  Dab gently, rather than rubbing in the cream.

This will avoid cracking the blister.

More information

Even more information on cold sores is available here, including stages of blister development and treatment.

And remember - if you have a cold sore, don’t worry. Your Pharmacist is there to help you – ask them about what products can help your cold sore heal.

Source:

1.       https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/cold-sores

2.      https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/cold-sores

3.      https://dermnetnz.org/topics/herpes-simplex

4.      https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/cold-sores