Cold sores, commonly referred to as fever blisters, are small, fluid-filled lesions that appear on or around the lips. They are caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), a widespread virus that affects a large portion of the global population. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 67% of people under 50 worldwide carry HSV-1, although many may never experience visible symptoms. For those who do, cold sores can recur multiple times a year, often triggered by environmental or physiological factors.
What Causes Cold Sores? Cold sores are caused by HSV-1, which is typically transmitted through oral contact. After the initial infection, the virus remains dormant in nerve cells and can reactivate due to triggers such as:StressFatigue Illness or fever Hormonal fluctuations Sun exposure Dental procedures During reactivation, the virus travels along the nerves to the skin, causing blisters to form, usually near the lips or mouth. In some cases, cold sores may also appear on the chin, cheeks, nostrils, or even inside the mouth.
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