What Causes Cold Sores
Herpes simplex virus causes cold sores. Out of the eight known types of herpes virus, herpes simplex type 1 and type 2 causes cold sores. The virus is usually inactive or hidden, and when it becomes active, it starts its reproduction process on nose or lip. Thus, this is what causes cold sores.
The key to study what causes cold sores is, to verify the triggers that causes the cold sores virus to function. Stress is the prime trigger that causes cold sores outbreak. Injuries and diseases are the most usual triggers that cause cold sores.
Often cold sores occur during cold season, and hence people refer the cold and flu season as the cold sore season. However, an individual can suffer from flu, cold, and cold sores in summer season also.
A wound on the target area is a common trigger that causes cold sores. Exposure to sunlight also triggers cold sores outbreak. Kissing or to biting a person having active cold sore causes cold sores. Moreover, if a person burns his lips while having hot things such pizza, it can cause cold sore on lips.
What Causes Cold Sores on Lips and Nose?
A weak immune system causes cold sores. The immune system needs to be tough enough to stop the herpes from becoming active. The simplest technique to boost the immune system is, to take a good mineral and vitamin supplement regularly. Constant cold sore outbreaks occur due to weak immune system.
Large amount of arginine and low amounts of lysine in the body cells might also cause cold sores. Arginine helps the virus to replicate, whereas lysine does not support growth of new virus. Hence, increment of lysine prevents and minimizes cold sore outbreaks.
Higher level of acids in the body also causes cold sores. The standard pH level for good health is 7.4. A regular diet of meats, fruits, and vegetables will greatly aid to achieve the standard pH level. Eat calcium rich foods, along with a good nutritional supplement, that includes a good contribution of minerals.
Mental and physical stress both influence the outbreak of cold sores in the following ways:
1. Stress destroys huge amount of B and C vitamins, which ultimately deteriorates the immune system.
2. It lowers the body pH into the acidic pool, which stimulates the growth of herpes virus.
3. Finally, it also lowers lysine and increases arginine in the nerve cells.
Hence, emotional or physical stress is also a responsible trigger, which causes cold sores. Therefore, elimination of stress is the most helpful solution, to prevent or reduce cold sores.
Other Triggering Factors:
Below mentioned are certain other triggering factors of cold sores:
• Excessive exposure to wind might stimulate cold sore outbreaks.
• Sickness is another factor that causes cold sore. Therefore, defend and boost the immune system and take vitamin C daily with sufficient rest.
• Avoid foods rich in arginine as such nuts, chocolates, and peas in the daily diet.
• Try not to share personal stuff like lipstick, toothbrushes or cups to prevent epidemic of the disease.
• Change your toothbrush immediately after recovering from a cold sore infection, as it boosts and causes cold sores recurring outbreaks.