Symptoms

Cold sores (Herpes Labialis) are a very common viral condition affecting 3.7 billion people in the world.

2 in 3 people under age 50 have the herpes simplex 1 virus (HSV1) which causes cold sores. Highly contagious, it is spread from person-to-person though close contact such as kissing, sharing utensils or make-up.

Once infected the herpes virus lies dormant in the body and as a result is a lifelong condition. The word ‘herpes’ derives from the Latin meaning to creep. When the virus is triggered, it literally ‘creeps’ back from its dormant phase along the nerve, to the surface of the skin

1 in 3 people suffer repeated outbreaks. 1 in 10 experience at least 6 painful outbreaks per year.

Phytovir’s topical wound healing products heal within 7 days while our antiviral treatments are proven to prevent future outbreaks.

Cold sores are small fluid-filled blisters
Often appear in a cluster on a patch of red, inflamed skin
Typically affects the mouth, lips or chin
Cold sores can appear on the fingers (herpetic whitlows) although this is rare
1-2 days before an outbreak sufferers can experience pain / tingling (known as the prodrome stage)
An outbreak usually lasts between 10-14 days
During this time, the blisters break open and weep releasing the virus which is highly contagious at this stage. The sores then scab over and eventually heal
Some people may only experience one outbreak while others will suffer repeated ones
Additional outbreaks often appear at, or near to the site of the original infection

Causes of repeat outbreaks

A range of environmental and hormonal factors can trigger an outbreak such as:

Low immune system
Fever and illness
Upper respiratory tract infection
Menstruation and hormonal changes
Stress and fatigue
Exposure to sunlight (UVA rays) and wind chafing
Skin irritation or injury to the area

The good news is, with the Phytovir range, acute symptoms can be quickly healed in 7 days and future outbreaks prevented.