What Causes Cold Sores? I Don’t Want To Deal With Them Anymore!

by Amelia Kimberly

When you have a good idea of what causes cold sores, you’ll be armed with the knowledge you need to prevent them from showing up at all. Cold sores are caused by herpes simplex virus type 1, and cold sores are also called fever blisters.

Then there’s type 2, which leads to genital herpes. Both type 2 and type 1 are bad because they can easily spread the virus to other parts of your body, such as the genital area.

But let’s focus on the first, herpes simplex virus type 1: This is what causes cold sores, and it is very contagious. You can spread this virus through physical and indirect contact.

For example, an infected person can give you cold sores if you drink from the same glass they’re using.

Once the virus is in your system, it will never leave. It will just stay dormant in your cells until it is woken up by certain triggers.

Because every person is unique, what causes cold sores for you may be different for someone else. It is important that you understand what your personal triggers are so that you can prevent the virus from becoming active.

Some of the most common triggers of cold sore outbreaks include: overexposure to the sun, wind, and cold; stress; illness; certain foods; and sharing personal hygiene items.

To avoid some of these circumstances you can stay out of the sun for long periods of time. You can also learn how to effectively deal with stress and learn to relax.

You can boost up your immune system by getting sufficient rest and taking a vitamin C supplement. You can reduce your intake of foods that contain arginine.

If your spouse gets cold sores, don’t share personal items such as towels, toothbrushes, drinking glasses, or lip balm. If you get cold sores, change out your toothbrush as soon as you recover from one. That toothbrush is probably harboring the virus and it could re-awaken the virus.

When you think about what causes cold sores, you should be aware of what triggers your outbreaks. That way you will be able to reduce the frequency of your outbreaks and the severity of them.

When you effectively treat your cold sores and know what causes them, you will be more empowered to manage how this virus affects your life.

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