Causes of getting cold sores so often

It is popularly known as cold sores, although it is actually the HSV-1 virus or herpes simplex virus. The fact is that although it normally appears on the lips and nearby skin, the reality is that it can appear in any area of ​​the body.

Thus, these sores and wounds are caused by a viral infection . This infection usually occurs during childhood and, once the virus is inside the body, it remains latent and manifests itself from time to time. Herpes simplex virus infection is very common, in fact it is estimated that about 70% of the population has it . However, not everyone is manifested in the same way, in fact, many people can be infected and not have any type of symptoms. This is one of the reasons why the infection is so widespread, because many people act as a source of contagion without being aware of it.

When an outbreak of herpes or pupae is about to appear, an itching, tingling and burning sensation begins to be noticed in the labial area. In the following days, ulcers appear on the lip and the skin around the mouth, as well as scabs that break and can be very painful. The duration of herpes is usually around a week and, although the symptoms may be stronger the first few times, in successive outbreaks the symptoms are more localized and less vigorous.

As we have explained, once we become infected with the virus, herpes becomes a chronic condition, that is, it lasts forever. But that does not mean that it is constantly manifesting. Although there are people who do not have symptoms, there are others who do it very occasionally and others who develop fever very often. Why does that happen? It is basically due to differences in the immune system. There are people whose immune system is stronger in general or stronger against that specific virus. Also, there are conditions that can cause you to get herpes more often:

Stress

Stress and nervous states are one of the main culprits that herpes appears often. The fact is that when we are stressed we release hormones that make this virus replicate faster. In addition, when we suffer from anxiety or stress, our defenses also lower, so herpes can manifest more easily. That is why it is recommended to follow these tips to reduce stress : how to play sports or avoid alcohol and caffeine.

Lowering of defenses

If we have low defenses, either because we have another infection and our body uses it, because we have an underlying disease or because we have a vitamin deficiency, it is normal for herpes to reappear regularly, since our body is not able to fight it.

premenstrual syndrome

Cold sores are very common during menstruation and during pregnancy, have you ever stopped to think why that happens? Both premenstrual syndrome and pregnancy are stages in which there is a great hormonal imbalance in our body, some imbalances that make the herpes virus reactivate and manifest itself. The latest studies that have been done confirm that through diet we can prevent imbalances from being so large, for example, eating low-fat foods and avoiding sweets.

Sexual diseases

There are two different herpes simplex viruses, type 1 and type 2. Type one is the one that usually appears in the mouth, although it can also be spread to other parts of the body by contact. For its part, type 2 predominates in the genital area, which is why it is known as genital herpes. Be that as it may, sexually transmitted diseases such as genital herpes or others such as sylphidis and gonorrhea can cause a drop in defenses that stimulates the constant reappearance of fever.

Although when there are sores or wounds it is much easier for the virus to be spread, the contagion can also occur even if there are no symptoms of any kind. The herpes simplex virus is highly contagious, that is why it is not only transmitted by direct contact , but it can also occur with:

• Kisses.
• Share glass.
• Share covered.
• Share towel.
• Share any oral hygiene item.

Taking into account the ease of contagion and the fact that it is not necessary to have sores for it to be transmitted, it is very difficult to be able to prevent ourselves from the virus. It is not surprising that a large part of the population is infected with herpes. What we can do is take a treatment to prevent constant regrowth or to heal the sores more quickly. If the herpes outbreaks are isolated, an antiviral ointment will simply suffice every time we go through one of these episodes, on the contrary, if herpes appears very often, it is possible to need antiviral or prophylactic treatment .

This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Why do I get cold sores so often , we recommend that you enter our Teeth and Mouth category .