Your medical queries answered
Cold sores
I'm plagued with recurrent outbreaks of cold sores. These develop not only on my lip but around my nose as well. Why do I keep getting them?
Cold sores are caused by a virus, known as the herpes simplex virus. Once infected with this troublesome virus, it persists in the body for life, with outbreaks recurring at varying intervals.
Cold sores tend to break out at the same site and can affect not only the lips but parts of the skin or mucous membranes.
They can be triggered by many different factors, the most common being infections, sunlight, cold winds, stress, menstruation and drugs that suppress the immune system.
Outbreaks have a nasty habit of appearing when the you are stressed.
Did you say herpes? I thought the herpes virus was a sexually transmitted disease?
There are a couple of different types of herpes virus. Type 1 herpes simplex virus causes cold sores, while type 2 causes genital herpes through sexual contact.
Cold sores are thought to be spread through contact with an infected person and it is therefore advisable to avoid kissing anyone during an attack.
Is there anything I can do to prevent outbreaks?
Herpes virus remains in the body for life, therefore you will need to take some preventative actions to minimise outbreaks.
When exposed to sunlight always use sun block. Protect yourself from harsh winds and, if you have a cold, treat the area around the nose and mouth carefully, as rubbing the skin can trigger an outbreak.
Cold sores go through stages, many sufferers notice tingling around the affected area before the sore appears. Using an anti-viral cream at this stage can sometimes halt the virus.
Next small blisters form, which go on to exude a clear fluid. At this stage the virus is easily spread to other people. The infected area eventually crusts over leaving an unsightly sore which can be slow to heal.
Topical antiviral creams or ointments are available without prescription and are most effective if used early as possible in the attack. Even if you do not catch it early, you should use the cream several times a day, as this will help shorten the length of the outbreak.