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Cold Sore Causes

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Cold Sore Causes

Cold sores are caused by the infection of the HSV1 virus. The virus is highly contagious, and is incurable. Because of this, it is estimated that over 80% of Americans have the HSV1 virus. About 80% of those show physical symptoms. The virus itself, once contracted, finds its way to the nerve cells below the skin and resides there. When a person shows no symptoms, the virus is said to be in a dormant state or 'in remission'. The virus itself is transmitted though direct (touching the infected area directly) or indirect touching (touching your cold sore with your hand, then touching someone else) of the infected area and via fomites (touching an inanimate object with a blister or contaminated hand and sharing it with another person).

Not all people with HSV1 show symptoms. Some people can have the virus for most of their lives without getting a cold sore. Others can have frequent outbreaks their entire lives. An outbreak occurs when the virus is 'triggered' into starting its replication cycle.

There are many known triggers, some of which are listed below:

• Stress is probably the number one trigger for cold sores. Stress lowers the immune system, allowing the virus to manipulate the body easier
  
  
• Sun: sun exposure is also a well-known trigger. UV rays tend to irritate the area and can cause a cold sore outbreak
  
  
• Illness also lowers the immune system, allowing the HSV virus to flourish.
  
  
• Injury or Trauma: in some cases, an injury to the lip area can cause a cold sore to form
  
  
• Chapped lips: When lips are dry and cracking, the chance of a cold sore outbreak is much higher.
  
  
• The hormonal changes that occur in all teenagers can trigger cold sore outbreaks. It is quite possible that cold sore frequency will decrease as your hormones stabilize.

Once the virus has been triggered, it works its way through the nerve pathways to the skin layer. Once there, it starts to replicate under the skin, causing a small bump. After a short time, a blister forms, part of the body’s defense mechanism. The blister itself (both the skin and the liquid contained in the blister) is highly contagious.

After about 2-7 days, the blister bursts and starts to scab over. The cold sore is still contagious at this point. The sore starts to shed its scab, until eventually it is entirely gone. The HSV virus travels back through the nerve pathways and lies again dormant in the nerve cells until it is triggered again.

Next: Diagnosis and Tests for Cold Sores

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Cold Sore Causes