In France, a very common viral infection causes small blisters to appear at the corners of the lips which always fall badly. According to Health Insurance, 90% of adults carry the type 1 herpes virus. Many still think that these outbreaks only happen with fever, which is false.
Guest of the show “Good morning ! The Morning TF1“, Doctor Vincent Valinducq recalls that the famous cold sore is an outbreak of cold sores. He emphasizes the role of stress, fatigue, sun and periods, factors also highlighted by Vidal and Ameli.
Cold sore: what Doctor Vincent Valinducq specifies
In front of the viewers, the doctor dismantles the preconceived idea linked to the thermometer. “It’s true that when there is a fever, you can get a cold sore, but there are other circumstances that favor their appearance: stress, fatigue… Sometimes it’s the sun, and in women, it can be during their periods.“, he explains.
The specialist also notices that the sun often comes up in stories of flare-ups. “I have patients who will tell me that it’s the sun. In this case, they will use a small lip stick which will protect them from UV rays to calm breakouts.“, adds Doctor Vincent Valinducq.
Herpes labialis: stress, fatigue, sun, periods and other triggers
Ameli cites as common factors an episode of cold or flu, severe stress, significant fatigue or prolonged lack of sleep.
The same sources mention other triggers: periods or hormonal variations, dental care or surgery on the face, prolonged exposure to the sun, cold snap, but also treatments that weaken the immune system. In short, anything that harms the body or the lip area can awaken the dormant virus.
Cold sore: act from the first tingling
Doctor Vincent Valinducq also insists on good timing. “So, when we feel it coming, it’s getting hot, what can we do? We act immediately. It’s really before he comes out, before he comes to bother you, you really need to act now“, he explains.
He recalls: “You have available in the pharmacy, without a prescription, a small local cream which can help you if these are the symptoms you have recognized.“
Ameli specifies that an antiviral prescribed within 72 hours can limit the duration of the flare-up.