Cold sores – why does it appear and how to deal with it?
Cold sores, also known as “cold sores,” are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). It is widespread, contagious, often painful, and tends to recur repeatedly. This is because the virus remains in the body for life, “hidden” in nerve cells, and is reactivated under certain conditions.
🧬Why does herpes appear?
The main cause is the HSV-1 virus, which a person usually becomes infected with in childhood – through kisses or shared objects.
After the initial infection, the virus “falls asleep” in the body, but can be reactivated.
HSV-1 is different from HSV-2 (which more commonly causes genital herpes), but both types can affect different areas depending on the method of transmission.
⚠️What can cause a recurrence?
Even when the virus is in a “dormant” state, its activation can be triggered by:
stress – mental or physical,
illness (cold, flu, high fever),
weakened immune system,
hormonal changes (for example, during menstruation),
sun exposure (especially on the lips),
fatigue and lack of sleep.
