These triggers vary from person to person, but can include sunlight, fatigue, an injury to the affected area, and, in women, their period. However, every so often the virus can be activated by certain triggers, resulting in an outbreak of cold sores. After someone has contracted the virus, it remains inactive (dormant) most of the time. The herpes simplex virus – or “cold sore virus” – is highly contagious and can be easily passed from person to person by close direct contact. Read more about the causes of cold sores. This can be the result of having oral sex with someone who has genital herpes. In rare cases, cold sores can also be caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). The strain of herpes simplex virus usually responsible for cold sores is known as HSV-1.
See your pharmacist if a cold sore hasn’t healed after 7 to 10 days. You only need to visit your pharmacist if you’re unsure whether it’s a cold sore or if it’s severe and spreading further than just the lip. If you’ve had outbreaks of cold sores before, it’s likely that you’ll know what they are if they return. Your pharmacist may recommend that you contact your GP practice if required. Cold sores aren’t usually serious and can be treated by a pharmacist.
