cold sores on lips
Cold sores is caused by the herpes simplex virus that can be easily passed along through saliva. It can also affect the mouth, the face, the genitals and the skin as well as the buttocks and the anal area. Some people who do not exhibit symptoms but have the virus can still pass it even without the presence of blisters, which is why more care and awareness needs to be spread by health organizations in order to contain the herpes simplex virus.
Some people are not even aware that they are already infected, pregnant women can pass this to their children during birth which is why once detected they have to undergo caesarean section. Others can transfer this to their children through kissing; children can also get this by chewing on infected items around the house.
The common location where herpes simplex virus occurs is in the lips area, they are often called as cold sores or fever blisters. They can last there for several days and week depending on the severity of the transmission.
What makes the herpes or cold sores recur?
A weak immune system is one of the main culprits. The virus can remain stagnant and once the immune system weakens it can re appear. There is no exact explanation why the sores come back but according to observation the cold sores can be accompanied by fever, cold and flu. It can also be triggered by ultra violet radiation, too much sun exposure, stress, depression, unhealthy eating habits that can cause changes in the body as well as trauma to the area like scratching it. It can also be caused by menstruation, but at times it would recur for no apparent reason.
cold sores on lips
The herpes simplex virus is highly contagious. It can be spread through kissing caused by making out. It can be transmitted through any form of close contact especially with skin shedding. It can also be transmitted through infected salvia. They can also pass this through sexual contact, but this cannot be passed by using the towel or clothes of the individual infected.