With school stress and colder days, it is no surprise that the winter months coincide with cold sores.
Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are the result of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which up to 89% of Canadians have been exposed to. This virus is not to be confused with herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), or genital herpes, which is an STI that affects approximately 14% of Canadians. While both viruses are spread via skin-to-skin contact, they are fundamentally different and have different treatments. In this blog post, I will focus on HSV-1/cold sores.
Cold sores are clear, fluid-filled blisters, usually found outside of the mouth around the lips, although you can also get cold sores on the roof of the mouth, tongue, and gums. Prior to visually seeing the sores, signs that an outbreak will occur include itching, tingling, or burning at the edge of the lips. Other, less common, symptoms may include fever and body aches.
As briefly mentioned, cold sores spread via skin-to-skin contact including touching, kissing, or sharing items like straws, chapstick, or razors. Once an outbreak occurs, a sore or cluster of sores appear and, in a few days, break open and crust over. In total, it takes approximately 2-4 weeks for these sores to disappear.
Outbreaks can be triggered by many different things, including sun exposure, sickness, split lips, and hormonal changes (like during menstruation). In addition, stress can cause cold sore outbreaks. Of course, a usual feeling for university students is stress, whether it is about assignments, exams, or other obligations that come with student life. This causes our immune system to suffer, giving the virus a chance to replicate itself and form an outbreak.
While cold sores/HSV-1 are rarely a serious health risk, they are still remarkably uncomfortable, and there is no cure for the virus. However, there are ways to help improve cold sores or prevent outbreaks.
Improvement:
Over-the-counter creams - Products, such as Abreva or Orajel, may help fasten the healing process
Aloe vera gel – Aloe gel, the same that is used for sunburns, has also been shown to help fight viruses, including herpes simplex
Sunscreen – A sunburn can trigger an outbreak, so make sure to wear sunscreen on your whole face, including your lips
Vitamin C & Vitamin E – Both of these vitamins have been shown to fight cold sores, with vitamin C helping inactivate HSV-1 and vitamin E helping to heal the sores
Prescription Drugs – if your outbreak is very bad or continues to get worse, you may want to visit your doctor to get a prescription for antivirals that will help treat the sores
Prevention:
Avoid Triggers – if you know a certain event makes you more likely to have an outbreak or make an outbreak worse, try avoiding this event or take preventative measures.
De-stress – while easier said than done, if you know that high amounts of stress induce an outbreak, make sure to take time for yourself. This will help you in the long run when you avoid an outbreak.
Do NOT pop the blisters – as tempting as it may be, popping the blisters may cause the outbreak to get worse and the virus to spread.
Wash hands regularly – in the same vain as the last point, if you touch the lip and then touch your nostrils or eyes, the sores can spread around your face. Make sure to be diligent about handwashing during an outbreak to avoid this
Refrain from giving oral sex – while HSV-1 is not the virus that causes genital herpes, it can spread to that area. Keep this in mind during an outbreak to keep others safe
For more information, check out these sources:
About the Author
Ashley (she/her)
Hi! My name is Ashley, and I am the Student Wellness Program Assistant. I am currently finishing up my final year in the Honours Psychology Program with a minor in Anthropology. I am passionate about the health and wellness of my communities and learning about how to improve the system to better serve these communities. Outside of work and school, I enjoy painting, reading, swimming, and spending time with my dog.
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