It’s that time of year again when dry skin and chapped lips become problems. Some of you may also deal with cold sores around the start of the winter season. So, what exactly triggers cold sores?

The small blisters on your lips or in your mouth are actually caused by a virus called herpes simplex virus-1. The virus can lie dormant in your body for years and can be triggered by other infections, stress, cold weather and even certain foods. Ultimately, the cause is unpredictable, as well as the triggers that reactivate the virus. Don’t let the name fool you either. It doesn’t take having a cold or sniffles to develop a cold sore.

These painful blisters are extremely contagious, so be very careful when they appear. Their underlying virus is spread through direct skin contact. So you’ll want to give hugs instead of kissing. They can also be spread by sharing a cup, eating utensils or lip balm even when you can’t see a sore.

Thankfully, cold sores normally go away within 7 to 10 days. But there’s no way to make the infection go away completely. It’s important to see a doctor if you have another health condition that has weakened your immune system. Also consult a doctor if the sores don’t heal by themselves within 7 to 10 days, you get cold sores often, or you have signs of a bacterial infection.

If you have any questions about cold sores or about changes in your skin, please call us today at 865-690-9467. Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.