First things first: are cold sores different to genital herpes?

“A cold sore is a small blister that appears around one’s mouth. It’s caused by the virus herpes simplex which causes outbreaks of cold sores. Genital herpes is caused by a different strain of the virus and causes painful blisters and sores on and around the genitals.”

(It’s worth noting that, according to the World Health Organisation, herpes simplex is mainly transmitted by oral-to-oral contact to cause cold sores, but it can also cause genital herpes through oral-genital contact when you have a blister – so avoid.)

What really brings on a cold sore?

“They can be triggered by exposure to the wind or sun, by a cold or another illness, by a weak immune system, an increase in stress or a hormone change.”

Do cold sores really stick with you for life?

“Unfortunately, yes – cold stores are incurable although they can stay inactive for a long time.”

What’s the best treatment for when you feel a tingle?

“It’s important to start antiviral therapy medication (oral and/or topical) as soon as you feel a cold sore coming on, even if the blisters haven’t yet appeared.”

Cold sores: why we get them, how to treat them, and how to break the stigma