Cold Sore

Cold sores are caused by a virus called the herpes simplex virus (HSV). This virus is very common and is estimated to affect approximately 67% of the worlds population. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), most often HSV-1, but can also be caused by HSV-2 in some cases. Cold sores are contagious and can spread through direct skin-to-skin contact, such as kissing, or by sharing items like towels or lip balms.

For most of your life, the virus will lie dormant in your skin, suppressed by your immune system. Occasionally the virus will reactivate causing a cold sore. This is often when your immune system is temporarily weakened, for example through stress or illness. There is no cure for cold sores, but there are treatments that can help manage symptoms and speed up healing.