COLD SORE

Cold sores are a common contagious condition caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus. Up to 80-90% of people are infected with the virus, and 1 out of 4 individuals experiences multiple outbreaks per year. The cause is difficult to treat, but you can try to keep the discomfort within limits.

Therefore, what are the triggers that can activate the herpes virus? And what can you do best to prevent a cold sore outbreak? With SoreFix Rescue, you can get rid of your cold sore faster, while SoreFix Prevent helps to prevent cold sores, both due to their unique zinc formula’s.

What is a cold sore?
Causes cold sores
Cold sore symptoms
Cold sore treatment
Zinc creams are recommended to treat cold sore
Acyclovir not recommended to treat cold sore
Cold sore and babies
SoreFix tips
Frequently asked questions

WHAT IS A COLD SORE?

Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, usually form on the lips or around the mouth. They are the most common viral infection and are caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus – type 1 (HSV – 1). Once infected with the HSV-1 virus, you will carry it for the rest of your life.

A cold sore is a fluid-filled blister that causes the skin to swell and appear red. The blisters are usually painful, and when filled with fluid, the first layer is very sensitive. Consequently, rubbing or scouring over it can lead to a nasty infection. Applying cold sore lip balm in time reduces the chance of scarring.

In most cases, the blisters tend to recur. Unlike most viruses, HSV-1 enters your body and remains there permanently, usually in an inactive state. When the virus becomes active, you develop a cold sore.

The Herpes Simplex Virus

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus, which typically enters the body through damaged skin around or in the mouth. There are two types of herpes simplex viruses: HSV-1 and HSV-2. Both viruses can cause ulcers around the mouth and genitals, but cold sores are usually caused by HSV-1. HSV-2 is the cause of genital herpes; however, SoreFix is not suitable for the treatment of genital herpes. Please consult your doctor for this condition.

The herpes simplex virus is usually inactive, but when it becomes active, you may develop a cold sore. Cold sores are highly contagious skin infections caused by a virus, not bacteria. Therefore, SoreFix is not suitable for the treatment of impetigo.

How is the Herpes Simplex Virus spread?

The virus is spread when someone touches the cold sore or the fluid from the blister. For example, sharing cutlery, cups, razor blades, or kissing a person infected with HSV-1 virus or coming into contact with their saliva. Children often get infected in this way.

CAUSES COLD SORES

Cold sores are painful infections caused by the herpes simplex virus. For example, you can acquire the virus through direct contact, such as kissing, or by sharing items like drinking glasses with someone who has a cold sore. Once infected, you will carry the virus for life. Usually, the virus remains inactive, but when it becomes active, a cold sore develops.

Cold sore triggers

Most people are aware when a cold sore is lurking. Triggers for activating a cold sore (caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus) vary from person to person. To prevent cold sores, try to avoid the triggers that activate the virus.

The most common triggers are:

Fatigue

Low immune system

Illness such as fever, cold etc.

Cold weather

Exposure to intense sunlight

Monthly period

Dry or chapped lips

Stress

Prevent cold sores?

Not everyone’s cold sore outbreak is triggered by the same trigger. Cold sore triggers vary from person to person. Try to identify what may cause your cold sore outbreaks and prevent them by using SoreFix Prevent cold sore lip balm.

COLD SORE SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of a cold sore can be very annoying. You can often divide the period of the cold sore into different phases. It often starts with a tingling in the lip. You feel itching, pain or a burning sensation. Subsequently, the affected skin becomes red (erythema) and small, round pimples (papules) develop. Finally, the cold sore progresses to the formation of blisters, which can burst open. The cold sore is surrounded by red and inflamed skin.

The 4 phases of a cold sore

There are 4 stages in a cold sore life cycle. The Herpes Simplex Virus is contagious at every stage. The duration of all phases together is about 7 to 10 days, but sometimes 2 weeks or longer. Consult a doctor if a cold sore lasts longer than 14 days.

Phase 1 (day 1-2) The tingling phase

The first symptoms often include tingling, pain, itching, or a burning sensation, which can last for several hours. The affected skin becomes red (erythema), and small, round pimples (papules) develop. During this phase, the infection is contagious, so it’s important to avoid physical contact.

Phase 2 (day 2-4) The blister phase

A group of fluid-filled blisters forms, surrounded by a red inflamed base. These blisters contain viruses and fluid. The body’s defense system begins to fight the infection.

Phase 3 (day 4-5) The ulcer phase

The blisters may burst, causing some fluid to leak out. The cold sore is surrounded by inflamed skin, appearing red and swollen. This stage is the most contagious.

Phase 4 (> 5 days) The healing phase

The sore dries up, forming a scab, which gradually decreases in size. Painful cracks may develop, possibly leading to bleeding, along with itching and/or a burning sensation. The pain diminishes, and the spread of the virus lessens. Eventually, the cold sore heals, and the scab falls off, revealing pink, dry, and scaly skin underneath. Sometimes, the skin remains slightly swollen.

COLD SORE TREATMENT

Cold sores can be very annoying and painful. Although their cause is difficult to treat, you can try to manage the discomfort. Experience the unique zinc formula of SoreFix Prevent Cold Sore Balm, designed to effectively prevent cold sores. Enriched with SPF30 and nourishing oils, it promotes optimal lip health.

SoreFix Rescue Cold Sore Cream ensures faster relief from cold sores due to its unique zinc formula that works in all phases of the outbreak. The product is based on a patented formulation of zinc in an oily cream, enhancing its effectiveness and reducing the spread of the cold sore virus. Experience relief up to 2 days sooner!

When you have a cold sore, the infection progresses through four stages over 7 to 10 days, but sometimes it can last even longer, up to two weeks or more. Consult a doctor if a cold sore persists for more than 14 days.

SoreFix works in every phase of the cold sore:

The cold sore virus is inactive
The herpes simplex virus is inactive.
SoreFix Prevent blocks triggers and improves lip condition.

Tingling
The first tingling can be felt, but the cold sore is not yet visible.
SoreFix Rescue relieves the tingling.

Lip blisters
A group of fluid-filled blisters forms.
SoreFix Rescue reduces blisters.

Open blisters
The blisters may burst and fluid may leak out. This is the most contagious stage.
SoreFix Rescue dries out the blisters and shortens recovery period.

Scabs
Finally, the blisters dry up and a scab forms.
SoreFix Rescue prevents the scab from cracking.

ZINC CREAM RECOMMENDED AT COLD SORES

Zinc oxide (and zinc sulphate) creams are recommended by pharmacists and general practitioners (in Netherlands) to treat a cold sore. Zinc possesses several beneficial properties, including its protective and drying effects on the skin. It can also inhibit the replication of the Herpes Simplex Virus, reducing both its spread and the duration and severity of cold sores. Furthermore, zinc promotes the drying of cold sore blisters, reduces itching, and aids in wound healing, expediting the recovery process. Additionally, zinc protects the skin from sun damage, a trigger for cold sores, by absorbing UVA and UVB rays, offering broad-spectrum protection. SoreFix Rescue features a unique zinc formula that accelerates cold sore healing and has proven effectiveness across all four phases.

ACYCLOVIR NOT RECOMMENDED AT COLD SORES

Acyclovir is not recommended by pharmacists (in The Netherlands) due to lack of effectiveness and the risk of creating resistance for antiviral medicines when needed for more severe viruses. Additionally, acyclovir has some side effects such as slight stinging and burning.

COLD SORE AND BABIES

Cold sores can be dangerous for a baby. Prevent a baby from coming into contact with your cold sore. Prevent the spread of the virus by washing the baby’s hands well and avoid kissing your baby until the cold sore has disappeared.

Anyone can transmit the virus to a baby through a kiss or a hug.

Most people get the herpes simplex virus during childhood.

During a first outbreak, the following symptoms may be seen in a baby:

Blisters at or around the mouth
Pain in the mouth
A fever
Bad drinking
Drowsiness
Inflammation of the gums

A cold sore can be dangerous for a baby. If a baby is less than 3 months old and gets any kind of mouth sore, please consult your physician right away.

Cold sore and babies: what are the risks?

A cold sore can be dangerous to a baby. If a baby is younger than 3 months and it is showing symptoms, it is advised to see a doctor. SoreFix is not suitable for the treatment of cold sore symptoms for babies. Especially with small children the virus can spread easily to other parts of the body.

Try to keep your baby away from touching the cold sore. In fact, to keep him from spreading the infection, wash his/her hands regularly and try to keep them from picking at the cold sore. You may want to put little mittens or socks on the hands while your baby sleeps.

If you have a cold sore, you should avoid kissing your baby (especially with a new-born) until the cold sore goes away. Remember, one peck with an infected lip is all it takes to pass on the herpes simplex virus. You’ll also want to avoid sharing cups and eating utensils while you have a cold sore.

If your child seems prone to cold sores as he gets older, you may want to protect his lips with SoreFix Prevent when exposed to extreme cold or sunlight, which might trigger an outbreak. SoreFix can be used as from 4 years old.

SOREFIX TIPS FOR COLD SORES

Prevent cold sore:

Do’s	Don’ts
Make sure you get enough sleep	Kiss people with a cold sore/when you have a cold sore
Recognize cold sore triggers	Share towels, razors, glasses, utensils etc
Eat healthy	Get into close contact with babies when you have a cold sore outbreak
Use SoreFix Prevent when running a greater risk of a cold sore	Exposure to bright sunlight
Avoid triggers	Bite your lips

When you have a cold sore:

Do’s	Don’ts
Sleep and relax	Kiss
Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water	Touch or scratch a cold sore
Protect babies and young children	Eat salty or sour food
Apply the product only to affected areas or vesicles	Share towels, razors, glasses etc. with a person that has a cold sore
Be careful when applying of removing makeup	Scratch open the crust
Be extra careful with contacts (clean hands)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Are cold sores contagious?

Yes! Cold sores are contagious, especially when you have open blisters. The fluid contains the Herpes Simplex virus, making it easy to transmit the virus to others and spread it throughout your own body. Once the sores have dried out, you can no longer transmit the virus.

There are four stages in a cold sore’s life cycle, and the Herpes Simplex Virus is contagious at every stage. The duration of all phases together is about 7 to 10 days, but sometimes it can last 2 weeks or longer. Consult a doctor if a cold sore persists for more than 14 days.

How long does a cold sore last?

If you have a cold sore, the infection progresses through four stages over 7 to 10 days, but sometimes it can last two weeks or more. Consult a doctor if a cold sore lasts longer than 14 days.

What should I do if I am pregnant and have a cold sore?

A cold sore is a local infection and therefore not harmful to your unborn baby. If you get a cold sore while you’re nearing your due date, you should be careful. Cold sores can be very dangerous for a newborn.

What should I do when my baby has a cold sore?

To prevent cold sores, try to avoid the triggers that activate the virus, which are often external influences. Most people can sense when a cold sore is imminent. The triggers for activating a cold sore (caused by the herpes simplex virus) vary from person to person.

When should I go to the doctor for cold sores?

We recommend that you contact your doctor if the cold sore has not improved after two weeks of treatment with SoreFix.

How can SoreFix help me with a cold sore?

SoreFix offers products to both treat and prevent cold sores.

SoreFix Rescue Cold Sore Cream speeds up the healing process with its unique zinc formula that is effective in all phases. SoreFix Prevent Cold Sore Balm also has its own zinc formula to prevent a cold sore.