What Causes Cold Sores on Lips?

Causes of cold sores on lips

Cold Sores Are Infections

Cold sores are a herpes virus infection. Typically, herpes simplex virus type 1 is the cause of the common cold sore, and herpes simplex virus type 2 is the cause of genital herpes--although either virus can be responsible for both mouth or genital sores. If you have herpes simplex virus type 1, you do not necessarily have herpes simplex virus type 2. Once you have cold sores caused by herpes simplex virus, you are likely to have another.

Are Cold Sores Contagious?

Yes, cold sores are contagious. You can get them through sharing anything that comes into contact with a cold sore on an infected person, including lip balm, cups, forks or towels. You can also get them by kissing a person with a cold sore or performing oral sex on someone with active genital herpes. Touching your own genital herpes sores and then touching your mouth without having washed your hands can also transmit the infection.

Treatment for Cold Sores

There are lip balms and ointments that can treat cold sores. If you have frequent cold sores or cold sores that last longer than normal (seven to 10 days), your doctor can prescribe medication to suppress the virus and prevent outbreaks.

Is There a Cure for Cold Sores?

Once you have a herpes virus, there is no way to remove it from your system. The virus stays in your nerve cells whether you have an active cold sore or not. You can prevent more outbreaks by avoiding those things that seem to cause a cold sore to appear. For some people, exposure to the sun, getting sick or extreme stress can cause an outbreak.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Cold Sores