Cold sores are caused by a contagious herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). There are two herpes simplex viruses, HSV-1 and HSV-2, which causes genital sores.
The virus is transmitted by contact with an infected person who has an active lesion. Sharing eating utensils, razors and towels, as well as kissing, may spread HSV-1. While cold sores are most contagious when they are oozing fluid, the virus can be transmitted to others even during times when you have no blisters.
Once you have contracted the virus, it lies dormant in nerve cells in your skin and may emerge again as an active infection at or near the original site.
A recurrence can be triggered by fever, menstruation, stress, fatigue , and exposure to the sun.
Specific to your questions, no- cold sores are not caused by or related to dry skin; no- there is no correlation between cold sores and season; yes- cold sores is caused by a herpes virus--but herpes simplex virus 1.
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Hello roses,
Cold sores are caused by a contagious herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). There are two herpes simplex viruses, HSV-1 and HSV-2, which causes genital sores.
The virus is transmitted by contact with an infected person who has an active lesion. Sharing eating utensils, razors and towels, as well as kissing, may spread HSV-1. While cold sores are most contagious when they are oozing fluid, the virus can be transmitted to others even during times when you have no blisters.
Once you have contracted the virus, it lies dormant in nerve cells in your skin and may emerge again as an active infection at or near the original site.
A recurrence can be triggered by fever, menstruation, stress, fatigue , and exposure to the sun.
Specific to your questions, no- cold sores are not caused by or related to dry skin; no- there is no correlation between cold sores and season; yes- cold sores is caused by a herpes virus--but herpes simplex virus 1.
I hope that I have answered your questions.
Maryann
April 1, 2013 - 4:46pmThis Comment
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