• After the first cold sore outbreak the virus lies dormant in nerve cells of the skin.2

A number of triggers can reactivate a cold sore:2

Fatigue icon

Fatigue

Viral infection or fever icon

Viral infection or fever

Hormonal changes icon

Hormonal changes (e.g. menstruation)

Stress icon

Stress

Sunlight and wind icon

Sunlight and wind

Changes in the immune system

Changes in the immune system

There is no cure for cold sores,2 but there are simple things you can do reduce the risk of spreading them to other parts of your body and to other people. LEARN MORE

2. Mayo Clinic. Cold sore. 2015. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cold-sore/basics/causes/con-20021310?p=1 (accessed 14/11/17).