There is nothing worse than looking in the mirror and seeing a big cold sore staring back at you. They are impossible to conceal, super contagious and usually occur when you are feeling pretty low already!

Although there is currently no cure for the virus here are some ways you can treat and prevent the nasty sores.

What are they?

Cold sores appear as small red bumps and develop into painful blisters around the lips, mouth and nose.

Usually the blister breaks open, leaks clear fluid and then scabs over.

Once someone has contracted the virus they have it for life, it remains dormant for most of the time.

Some people will suffer outbreaks more often than others.

Although they are usually nothing to be concerned about, they can cause complications for people with weakened immune systems such as babies, people going through chemotherapy or people who are HIV positive.

A stock photo of a young girl with a herpes viral cold sore on her lip and mouth.


Cold sores are highly contagious and can be passed from person to person by close contact. It is usually transmitted in childhood when family members kiss a child.

They are caused by the herpes simplex viruses. The strain that usually causes sores around the mouth is herpes simplex type 1.

In rare cases, cold sores can be caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2.

They occur when the virus is activated by a trigger. Triggers vary between people but are most commonly: being run down, a cold, stress, tiredness, menstruation, strong sunlight or cold and dry weather. Chapped lips can also trigger an outbreak.

Lip infection with the herpes simplex virus


Without any intervention cold sores usually disappear on their own in 7 to 10 days.

Creams and patches are readily available over the counter in pharmacies. They can help to increase healing time and ease symptoms.

Early treatment is imperative in treating a cold sore with these products. They should be applied as soon as a tingling sensation occurs. Treatment after this is unlikely to have any impact.

Dab creams onto sores, don’t rub it in.

Ensure you drink enough fluids. Dehydration is a common side effect as it can be uncomfortable drinking with the lesions. Use a straw if it helps.

If brushing your teeth is difficult, use an antiseptic mouthwash.


It’s not possible to prevent an outbreak entirely but a few things can help.

Try to figure out your triggers and avoid them (if chapped lips lead to your cold sores apply a balm to prevent it happening and so on).

Avoid touching your cold sores, other than to apply cream, and do not share your cold sore cream with other people.

Wash your hands using soap and water before and after applying cold sore creams or touching the area.

Never share lipsticks, make-up or any products that come into contact with the area.

Avoid kissing anyone until cold sores have healed and disappeared.

Remember sores are at their most contagious when they burst but remain contagious until they disappear completely.

Make sure cups knives and forks etc are washed properly.

If you feel the tingling sensation that usually leads to a cold sore use a cream immediately.

If you have a cold sore, be extremely cautious around new-born babies, and people with a low immune system.