The cold weather is upon us and if you suffer from cold sores you’ll know that they’re much more prevalent during the winter months. They are common, and highly contagious. Here’s our guide to the humble – yet annoying – cold sore.
What is a cold sore?
A cold sore is a skin infection that tends to develop as a cluster of small, painful blisters on the face, particularly around the lips and nose area.
‘The lips are the most common area for cold sores to appear because this is where the virus is usually contracted when it’s passed between individuals,’ explains Lloyds Pharmacy Pharmacist Daisy Darkwa. ‘In some rare cases, cold sores can appear in the eye.’
Is it herpes?
You’ve probably heard that cold sores are caused by the herpes virus – and that’s technically true. But although it’s not the same strain that typically causes genital herpes, it is just as contagious.
‘As cold sores are a symptom of the herpes virus, many people believe that they are caused by an STI, but that’s not the case,’ explains Daisy. ‘The most common strain of herpes that causes cold sores is known as HSV-1, while the STI strain of herpes is caused by HSV-2. Although in some cases this strain can cause cold sores, it is much rarer.’
WHAT ARE THE MAIN SYMPTOMS?
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October 12, 2020-Ausgabe von WOMAN - UK.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October 12, 2020-Ausgabe von WOMAN - UK.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
View from THE BACK
Isabel Webster says what you're thinking
Time to get ON BOARD!
A no-fly cruise from the UK offers a hassle-free holiday to remember
Matt Tebbutt's FESTIVE FAVOURITES
The Saturday Kitchen star serves up easy, seasonal winners
I'm the child OF AN AFFAIR
Jennifer Barton still feels like a dirty secret at 42
One final PARTY
Caitriona Adams' fun-loving little boy was brave until the end
How to be alone NOT LONELY
Connecting to others has never been more important for your health
15 ways to BOOST YOUR ENERGY over Christmas
Survive the last of the festivities and jingle your energy bells with help from our experts
TSUNAMI 20 years on
What is it like to be caught up in a devastating natural disaster? We speak to a survivor
TRUMP VS HARRY
Prince Harry faces a troublesome Christmas as he waits to see what President-elect Trump may do about his visa situation.
'Furious' Meghan's NEW ATTACK
Royal biographer Duncan Larcombe on the claims that things are worse than ever between the sisters-in-law