That tingling feeling - cold sores

Let’s face it, having a cold sore is never a good look. If you try to grin and bare it, the unsightly scab on your mouth cracks open, falls off or may even bleed, adding to your misery.

But take heart, you are most definitely not alone. An estimated 80% of the UK population are infected with the virus that causes cold sores. Once you find out what triggers them you can minimise their impact.

What are cold sores?

Cold sores are caused by an infection with a herpes virus. Most cold sores are caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), but another strain HSV-2 can cause them too.

The virus is highly infectious. It is passed on by direct contact with the virus. Most people are infected when young by being kissed by a doting adult who had a cold sore at the time.

Once infected, the virus remains with you for life. It hides from the immune system in your body, and only appears now and then to cause cold sores.

Symptoms

You usually feel a tingling or itching sensation on the area of the lip where the cold sore is going to appear. This is followed by one or several fluid filled blisters. The blister then bursts, and a crust or scab forms. Depending on where the cold sore is, the scab may split when eating or moving your mouth. Any attempt to remove the offending scab will only result in a delay in healing.

What triggers their appearance?

Cold sore “triggers” vary from person to person, but include:

• Stress
• Tiredness
• A woman’s monthly period (a double whammy!)
• Strong sunlight, from the sun and sunbeds

What can I do about them?

Be prepared. If you are prone to them, find out what triggers them.

Creams containing 5% Acyclovir can inhibit the virus replicating and limit the size and spread of cold sores, but need to be applied at the first signs of a cold sore.

You can buy small tubes - keep one handy in your make-up bag, drawer at work or purse.

This article was published on Mon 20 December 2010