Answer: An embarrassing and annoying little blister 'thingy', that just happens to pop up and show its head, at the most inconvenient time..Okie dokie! And now for a more 'scientific' look at exactly what a cold sore, really is:
Cold sores are actually small, fluid-filled blisters that pop up on the surface of your skin, around your mouth or on your lips. They are caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus, (HSV-1, not to be confused with genital herpes which is the HSV-2 strain) and usually develop around times of increased stress in your life, for example when you're starting a new job, studying for an exam, or just worried about something in general.
Extreme changes in temperature and air can also trigger cold sores. An example of this would be in winter time, when going from a warm and heated car environment with little fresh air, to the cold, dry, and harsh environment of the outside air.
Okay got it? Keep your car nice and cold in the winter and you'll be fine! No, but seriously, if you are prone to cold sores then you should keep the temperatures as neutral as possible, i.e not having the heating in the car blazing hot, but just keeping it warm enough so that you're comfortable. The same is true for when you are outside and making sure that you keep warm, wear a scarf and if possible cover your face.
The way that the Herpes Simplex virus works, is by lying dormant in your nerves until the perfect conditions present themselves. You will be more likely to get a cold sore if you are stressed out, over worked, not getting enough sleep at night (at least 6 hours), under eating, and particularly if you already have a virus or are unwell. A good way of making sure that your immune system is strong is to make sure you are getting all the right vitamins and minerals. The easiest way for you to do this, would be to take a vitamin tablet daily. This should help keep your immune system that little bit stronger, and hopefully be enough to stop you getting a cold sore.
The Herpes simplex virus attacks when you and your immune system are at your weakest. It does this by growing and traveling down your nerves until it reaches your skin, where the virus continues to grow and forms into a cold sore.
Trust me, it is definitely best to start attacking your cold sore with medications and treatments as soon it gets to this stage. An easy way to tell of an imminent cold sore attack, is when you notice the skin around your lips becoming reddish in color, along with a raised and slightly bumpy surface to the skin. A tingling sensation also occurs around the mouth and these early symptoms should warn you that you are probably under attack from a cold sore!
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