Cold Sores
Cold sores do more than just tell you that you might be getting a cold soon. These tiny blisters or sore areas along the lip are caused by an outbreak of the herpes simplex virus type 1. This virus is related to the herpes simplex type 2 virus that causes genital herpes, but it is not the same thing. Almost 80 percent of the population has HSV-1 because it is spread by skin contact.
A cold sore will appear in those who have HSV-1 whenever something puts stress on the body. It can occur right before you get sick, after trauma to the lips, following sun exposure, or during times of emotional stress. Therefore, a cold sore is your body’s way of telling you that something is putting extra strain on it.
