From the Guidelines
Cold sores are usually caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), not type 2.
Key Points
- HSV-1 typically affects the mouth area, causing painful blisters or sores on the lips, gums, or around the mouth 1.
- HSV-2, by contrast, most commonly causes genital herpes, although it can also cause oropharyngeal infection and herpes labialis 1.
- The primary cause of herpes labialis is HSV-1, and at least 50% of new cases of herpes genitalis in developed countries are now caused by HSV-1 1.
- About 80% of cold sores are caused by HSV-1, which spreads through direct contact with infected sores or bodily fluids and remains dormant in nerve cells between outbreaks.
- Triggers for cold sore recurrence include stress, illness, sun exposure, hormonal changes, and weakened immunity.
- Common treatments include antiviral medications like acyclovir (Zovirax), valacyclovir (Valtrex), or famciclovir (Famvir), which work best when started at the first sign of an outbreak 1.
- Over-the-counter creams containing docosanol (Abreva) may also help reduce healing time.
Treatment and Prevention
- The aim of antiviral therapy is to block viral replication to enable shortening the duration of symptoms and accelerate the resolution of lesions 1.
- Two categories of antivirals are available for treatment of herpes labialis: topical and oral therapies 1.
- It is imperative that therapy is initiated as soon as possible to ensure an optimal therapeutic beneficial effect 1.
From the Research
Herpes Simplex Virus Types
- Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) has two main types: HSV-1 and HSV-2 2
- HSV-1 is commonly associated with oral herpes, which can cause cold sores on the lips, tongue, or mouth 2, 3
- HSV-2 is primarily associated with genital herpes, but it can also cause oral herpes 2, 3
Cold Sores and Herpes Type
- Cold sores are usually caused by HSV-1, not HSV-2 2, 3
- HSV-1 is the primary cause of herpes labialis, which is characterized by the appearance of cold sores on the skin, lips, tongue, or buccal mucosa 2, 3