What is a cold sore?
Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are caused by the HSV-1 virus and are very common. They can be easy to recognise as that usually appear as red bumps they develop into blisters around the lips and mouth. You can find out more about cold sores here.
Every cold sore is a journey
An untreated cold sore typically progresses through five distinct stages over the course of 7-10 days, though it can remain for up to 2 weeks.
Explore the stagesUp to 80% of the adult population carry the HSV-1 virus, but only approximately 1 in 3 will have recurrent cold sores.
What causes
cold sores?
Cold sores are caused by HSV-1, a form of the herpes simplex virus. In fact, up to 80% of the global population has the HSV-1 virus because it’s so contagious. Once infected, the virus never leaves the body.
Most people aren’t exactly sure when they first encountered HSV-1. It’s usually contracted in early childhood where it may not appear as a visible cold sore.
What is herpes labialis?What happens when
I get a cold sore?
For the majority of people, HSV-1 remains inactive throughout their lives and they may never know they have the virus. Around 1 in 3 people will experience recurrent infections. The HSV-1 virus ‘wakes up’, infects the cells in or around the lip or mouth and causes a visible and contagious sore. Cold sores usually occur after something has triggered the virus, like a run-down immune system or cold, dry weather leading to dry, chapped lips.
Learn more about the herpes virus