Summertime is truly the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors, but it can also be a time when cold sores make their appearance. These painful blisters are essentially caused by the herpes simplex virus and are most commonly seen around the mouth. Although cold sores can occur at any time of year, they are more likely to show up in the summer due to the warm, humid weather.
What Is a Cold Sore?
A cold sore is a small, painful blister that can appear on the lips, nose, or chin. Cold sores are essentially caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of HSV: HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 is the most common type of HSV and is usually the type that causes cold sores.
Cold sores are a highly contagious condition and can be passed from person to person through direct contact or through sharing objects such as utensils, razors, or towels. This virus can also be spread through kissing or other forms of close contact with someone who has a cold sore.
Cold sores usually go away on their own within two to four weeks. However, the virus that causes cold sores is always present in the body and can cause outbreaks at any time. There is no cure for HSV yet, but there are treatments that can help to shorten the duration of cold sore outbreaks and to reduce the frequency of outbreaks.
Why Do Cold Sores Show Up in the Summer?
There are a few reasons why cold sores may be more common in the summer months. For one, warmer weather can cause the body to sweat more, which can lead to dehydration. Dehydration can weaken the body’s immune system and make the body more susceptible to viral infections, like the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which causes cold sores.
Other summertime activities that can trigger cold sores include sun exposure and swimming. Sun exposure can cause the skin to become dry, cracked, and irritated, making it more susceptible to HSV infection. Swimming in highly chlorinated pools can also irritate the skin and make cold sores more likely.
How to Treat Cold Sores
There is still no cure available for the herpes simplex virus, but there are ways to treat cold sores and help relieve the pain and discomfort they cause. The following are some tips for treating cold sores:
-Apply a lip balm or cream. Applying lip balm will help to soothe and protect the lips.
-Apply cold sore cream or ointment. This will help to relieve pain and speed up healing.
-Apply a topical cream or ointment that contains the antiviral medication. Antiviral creams will help to reduce the duration of the cold sore.
-Take pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
-Apply a warm, damp cloth to the cold sore. This will help to reduce swelling and pain.
-Avoid touching the cold sore. This will help to prevent the spread of the virus.
If you have a cold sore, it is important to keep the area clean and dry. Keeping the affected area clean will help to prevent the spread of the virus. Be sure to wash your hands after touching the cold sore. You should also avoid sharing towels or other items with someone who has a cold sore.
Final Thoughts
It is important to be aware of the possibility of contracting cold sores during the summer months. The sun can trigger an outbreak, so it’s important to wear sunscreen and lip balm with SPF. If you do get a cold sore, don’t worry – there are plenty of treatments available to help you get rid of your cold sore quickly.
Treat your cold sores with the help of Agile Urgent Care. We are a full-service, walk-in medical facility providing convenient, state-of-the-art, and affordable service for injuries or illnesses that can’t wait for your regular doctor but aren’t serious enough for a costly emergency room visit. Our doctors and nurses treat children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients. Get in touch with us today!
