A dermatologist busts the myths and sets the facts straight about the herpes simplex virus.
By Jenny Cook
If you suffer from recurring cold sores, you might be starting to lose hope. But rest assured you are not alone. In the UK, up to 75 per cent of the population are believed to carry the cold sore-causing herpes simplex virus – and 20 per cent of these people repeatedly suffer with the painful condition.
However, there is still a lot of misunderstanding surrounding the subject. Consultant Dermatologist for Blistex Dr Emma Wedgeworth separates fact from fiction and debunks the common myths associated with cold sores:
Fact: cold sores are caused by a virus
It’s true! These small, painful sores are caused by a virus. Once you have the virus, it stays in your skin for the rest of your life.
‘Cold sores are caused by a virus known as the herpes simplex virus (HSV) which is a highly contagious infection,’ says Dr Wedgeworth. ‘There are 2 types of HSV – type 1 and type 2, with cold sores usually caused by HSV-1.’
Myth: cold sores appear from nowhere
It may seem like a cold sore comes out of the blue. But there are a few signs to look out for which are your body’s way of telling you an outbreak is on the way.
‘Tingling, itching, pain and numbness may all be signs that you are likely to develop a cold sore,’ says Dr Wedgeworth. ‘These symptoms may occur hours to days before an outbreak and are known as the prodrome.’
⚠️ Some people suffer from very frequent or severe outbreaks which may require taking tablets on a regular basis to stop the attacks from developing. This should only be considered for more severe cases.
Fact: You can stop cold sores developing
To prevent a cold sore outbreak, there are steps you can take. ‘In terms of lifestyle, stress and being run down can contribute to the development of cold sores, so looking after yourself, eating well and getting plenty of sleep is important,’ explains Dr Wedgeworth.
‘Anti-viral treatment creams such as Blistex Cold Sore Cream can prevent cold sores from developing fully when used at the first sign of an outbreak (which is generally when you feel a ‘tingle’),’ she adds. ‘The active ingredient Docosanol works earlier than other actives to penetrate the skin cell in the lip area to block the virus from entering.’
Myth: cold sores only develop on your lips
This may be a very common myth, but it’s a myth all the same. ‘While the herpes simplex virus type 1 is most likely to occur around the mouth, it can also occur anywhere on the body; often on the face or the fingers. Herpes simplex virus type 2 most often affects the genital region,’ says Dr Wedgeworth.
Fact: cold sores are very common
You might find cold sores embarrassing, but the fact of the matter is that they’re pretty common and nothing to be ashamed of. ‘Cold sores are more common than you may think,’ says Dr Wedgeworth. ‘It is thought that the majority of people in this country have been exposed to the cold sore virus and a third of people will go on to develop symptoms at some stage.’
Myth: Cold sores only occur in winter
Because dry, cracked lips tend to occur in winter, people believe that cold sores only appear at this time of year, too. ‘Many people may be surprised to hear that sunlight is a common trigger for cold sores, so if you do suffer from cold sores, using sun protection during summer months can be helpful,’ says Dr Wedgeworth.
Fact: cold sores can take time to disappear
Unlike spots or dry lips, cold sores tend to stick around. ‘The first time you get a cold sore it can last for quite a long time – up to two weeks – and can be more severe and painful,’ explains Dr Wedgeworth. ‘Once you have caught the virus, it sits within your body and can reactivate at any time. Subsequent episodes are often less severe and may only last a couple of days, although there is no hard and fast rule.’
Myth: you only catch cold sores by kissing
In the vast majority of cases, you catch a cold sore through any direct contact with the skin affected by the virus.
‘In reality, kissing is the most likely way you would catch a cold sore, although if infected saliva or oral secretions were on a lipstick or cup that was immediately shared, there may be a very small risk of transmission,’ says Dr Wedgeworth. ‘It is worth noting that people may shed the virus even when they don’t have signs of the cold sore.’