7 facts and fables about the cold sore

Nothing is as annoying as a cold sore. Unfortunately, about 1 in 3 people will experience it in their lifetime. However, there are also many myths about this virus infection. What exactly is a cold sore and how do you get it? We list seven fables and facts.

What exactly is a cold sore?

A cold sore is a viral infection in (the skin around) your lips. This infection causes blisters to form, which contain fluid. Those blisters can be quite itchy and painful. They usually dry up after 1 to 2 days, after which a scab develops. Many people will experience it once or several times in their lives, but don’t know much about it yet. That is why we have listed a number of facts and fables about this annoying virus infection for you below.

Fact 1: Cold sores are caused by the herpes virus

Cold sores are caused by the herpes virus, which is contained in the fluid of the blisters. The herpes virus is a highly contagious DNA virus that mainly multiplies in your skin cells. When the skin cells become very crowded with the herpes virus, they explode. This releases infectious particles that can infect new cells, causing the virus to spread. The moment the cold sore is visible, your immune system has already intervened. In fact, it is a sign that you are already almost rid of the infection.

Fact 2: Kissing gives you a cold sore

Infection with the herpes virus often occurs through the lips, because the skin there is so thin. The virus can therefore be transmitted through a kiss. Even if two people drink from the same glass or use the same cutlery, it can lead to contamination. Sharing towels, toothbrushes and lip balms is also not a good idea, as is shaking hands or cuddling with someone who has a cold sore.

Fact 3: Once you have the herpes virus, you can’t get rid of it

The herpes virus stays in your body forever, in the nerves of your spinal cord. The virus can be reactivated if your immune system is weaker. Cold sores often reappear during illness or stress. The virus then travels through your nerves back to your skin, where a cold sore develops.

Fact 4: If you have a cold sore, you can’t go to a maternity visit

Visiting a baby when you have a cold sore is very unwise. The herpes virus is not dangerous for adults, but it can make babies quite sick. In them, it can lead to inflammation in the brain. Fortunately, most mothers have already contracted the herpes virus, which means they pass protective antibodies to their babies through their blood and breast milk.

Myth 1: Cold sores are the result of poor hygiene

Cold sores are caused by an infection with the herpes virus, regardless of how good a person’s hygiene is. However, it is important to pay extra attention to your hygiene when you have a cold sore. Don’t touch the cold sore too often, make sure you don’t drink from the same glass as other people, and don’t hug or kiss others. This prevents infections.

Myth 2: You can prevent cold sores by using certain ointments

There are many virus-inhibiting ointments on the market that can help reduce cold sores. If you know that you are going to face a time with a lot of stress, you can use those ointments to reduce the chance. It is also useful to keep your resistance as good as possible. However, it is impossible to completely prevent cold sores.

Myth 3: Cold weather makes you more likely to get cold sores

A cold sore occurs when your resistance is low. Although we often feel less well in cold weather, that does not necessarily mean that our resistance goes down. So it is not the case that you are more likely to get cold sores at certain times of the year.

Source: LINDA, Margriet, Things for Women | Image: iStock

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