Cold Sores

What are Cold Sores?

Cold sores are very interesting in that they are part of one of two highly contagious viruses. The first is herpes simplex type 1 and the second is herpes simplex type 2. Almost everyone in the world has one of these two viruses because of the fact that they are very easily passed on from person to person.

The herpes virus is usually dormant, but there are times it may flare up. This usually happens when a person has a cold or a flu. This is because the cold or flu causes stress on an individual. It is this stress that then causes the flare up. Even a sunburn can cause a cold sore to flare up.

Many state that eliminating stress is one of the ways to keep a cold sore from flaring up. By eliminating stress, it is easier to keep the herpes virus dormant. But as soon as you become stressed because of your cold or flu, you’ll find that a cold sore will flare up on your lip or in your nose. When this happens, it can be quite embarrassing. Everyone then knows that you have cold sores.

The good news, however, is that you can treat a cold sore. There are ointments available over the counter and doctors give ointments as well to clear them up. Although they may become irritating, the good news is that they can heal in a short period. Just try to reduce the stress in your life so that you can reduce the probability that you will get a cold sore with your next cold or flu.