Cold sores: Discussion on possible causes

People suffer from cold sores when the body is infected by the herpes simplex virus. It is the type 1 herpes simplex virus that commonly causes these ugly cold sores and affects the facial skin dramatically.

The virus usually enters into the nerve cells and makes its way to the nerves until it reaches the ganglion. Once there, it lies in its latent state. There are times when the visors multiples and travels down to the skin and causes cold sores. Although the eat route of the virus is still not clear to us, but there are quite a few conditions that are known to promote cold sores in general, such as fever, colds, flu, UV rays, stress, compromised immune system, hormonal changes and trauma to our skin.

Usually, the first episode of a herpes infection comes from another person having a possibly active lesion. The virus spreads rapidly if an infected person shares his razor, utensils, towels and clothes with others. Herpes simplex type 1 virus might as well spread through kissing.

Although cold sores are often believed to be non-contagious, it is better to take the necessary preventative measures in order to safeguard yourself.