{"id":8841,"date":"2026-07-11T00:12:13","date_gmt":"2026-07-10T22:12:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/orthodental.si\/en\/cold-sores-oral-herpes\/"},"modified":"2026-07-16T23:20:37","modified_gmt":"2026-07-16T21:20:37","slug":"cold-sores-oral-herpes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/orthodental.si\/en\/cold-sores-oral-herpes\/","title":{"rendered":"Cold sores (oral herpes) | Causes, symptoms and treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>.od-post a{color:#1ba3dd}.od-post h2,.od-post h3{color:#173a4d}.od-post figure{margin:24px 0}.od-post figure img,.od-post img{width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:14px;box-shadow:0 10px 26px rgba(23,58,77,.14)}.od-post figcaption{font-size:.9rem;color:#7c93a1;text-align:center;margin-top:8px}.od-post-key{background:#eef8fc;border-left:5px solid #1ba3dd;border-radius:10px;padding:16px 20px;margin:24px 0;font-size:1.02rem}.od-post-cta{background:linear-gradient(135deg,#1ba3dd,#0f7fb0);color:#fff;border-radius:18px;padding:30px 28px;text-align:center;margin:34px 0 10px}.od-post-cta h3{color:#fff;margin:0 0 .5rem}.od-post-cta p{color:#eaf6fc !important;max-width:600px;margin:0 auto 1.1rem}.od-post-cta .od-btn{display:inline-block;background:#fff;color:#0f7fb0!important;font-weight:600;padding:12px 26px;border-radius:40px;text-decoration:none;margin:6px}.od-post-cta .od-btn.alt{background:rgba(255,255,255,.12);color:#fff!important;border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.65)}.od-post .od-rt{width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;margin:24px 0;font-size:1rem}.od-post .od-rt caption{caption-side:top;text-align:left;font-weight:700;color:#173a4d;margin-bottom:8px;font-size:1.05rem}.od-post .od-rt th{background:#1ba3dd;color:#fff !important;text-align:left;padding:10px 14px;font-weight:600}.od-post .od-rt td{padding:10px 14px;border-bottom:1px solid #e2eef4;color:#40586a}.od-post .od-rt tr:nth-child(even) td{background:#f7fbfd}.od-post .od-info{margin:26px 0}.od-post .od-info svg{width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:14px;background:#eef8fc}.od-review{font-size:.95rem;color:#555;border-left:4px solid #1ba3dd;background:#f4fbfd;padding:10px 16px;border-radius:6px;margin:0 0 22px}.od-post .od-cta-wrap{text-align:center;margin:20px 0}.od-post .od-cta-btn{display:inline-block;background:#1ba3dd;color:#fff!important;font-weight:600;padding:12px 28px;border-radius:40px;text-decoration:none}.od-post details{background:#f7fbfd;border:1px solid #e2eef4;border-radius:10px;padding:14px 18px;margin:12px 0}.od-post details summary{font-weight:600;color:#173a4d;cursor:pointer}<\/style>\n<div class=\"od-post od-rich2\">\n<p class=\"od-review\">Medically reviewed by <a href=\"https:\/\/orthodental.si\/en\/orthodontist-gordana-cizmek\/\"><strong>Gordana \u010ci\u017emek, dr. dent. med., spec.<\/strong><\/a> &middot; Last updated: July 2026<\/p>\n<div class=\"od-post-key\"><strong>Quick takeaways<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Cold sores (oral herpes) are caused by the herpes simplex virus, most often HSV-1.<\/li>\n<li>The virus stays in the body for life and can reactivate when the immune system is weakened.<\/li>\n<li>Cold sores cannot be cured, but antiviral creams or tablets ease symptoms and shorten outbreaks &#8211; start at the first tingle.<\/li>\n<li>They are highly contagious during an outbreak, so avoid kissing and sharing towels or cutlery.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>Cold sores on the lips, also known as oral herpes, are a common viral infection that <strong>affects a large part of the world&#8217;s population<\/strong>. They are caused by the <strong>herpes simplex virus<\/strong>, which usually appears as painful blisters and sores on the lips, in the mouth or around the mouth. The problem is not only the unpleasant, painful sensation but also <strong>the stigma often associated with it<\/strong>. Even though this condition is extremely common, many people do not know how to recognise it correctly and treat it effectively. According to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/herpes-simplex-virus\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">World Health Organization<\/a>, billions of people worldwide live with the herpes simplex virus.<\/p>\n<h2>The herpes simplex virus stays in the body forever<\/h2>\n<p>Infection with the herpes simplex virus exists in two forms: HSV-1 and HSV-2. The first, HSV-1, is the more common cause of cold sores on the lips. <strong>After the primary infection<\/strong>, the herpes virus remains in the body in a dormant form, usually in nerve cells. Although the virus stays in the body forever, it <strong>does not always show as symptoms<\/strong>. Triggers that activate the virus and bring on symptoms include stress, illness, fatigue, sun exposure and other factors.<\/p>\n<h2>Why do cold sores appear and how can they be avoided?<\/h2>\n<p>Cold sores usually appear when <strong>the immune system is weakened<\/strong> and the virus reactivates. The risk of an outbreak can be reduced with a healthy lifestyle that includes <strong>a balanced diet, regular exercise, enough sleep and avoiding stress<\/strong>. It is also important to <strong>avoid direct contact with people who have an active form of herpes<\/strong> and to avoid sharing items such as towels and cutlery.<\/p>\n<h3>The first signs of a cold sore<\/h3>\n<p>The first signs of a cold sore are usually a burning sensation, itching or redness at the affected spot. Over time small blisters develop that are <strong>usually very painful<\/strong>. These blisters can burst and form sores that sting and heal only gradually. This is the body&#8217;s reaction to the reactivation of the herpes simplex virus. <strong>Triggers for an outbreak<\/strong> vary and include a weakened immune system, stress, fatigue, menstruation and other factors. <strong>The signs and symptoms of herpes can differ from person to person<\/strong>, but the symptoms listed above are very typical of this infection.<\/p>\n<h3>Treating cold sores on the lips<\/h3>\n<p>Although cold sores cannot be completely cured, because the virus remains in the body, their symptoms can be treated. To reduce pain and speed up healing, <strong>antiviral creams and ointments<\/strong> applied directly to the affected areas are usually used. In some cases, especially with frequent outbreaks, <strong>a doctor may also prescribe a systemic antiviral medication in tablet form<\/strong>. It is also important to <strong>keep the affected areas clean and dry<\/strong> and to avoid contact with other parts of the body, especially the eyes, so the infection does not spread.<\/p>\n<h3>How to get rid of a cold sore<\/h3>\n<p>At the first signs, such as itching or a burning sensation, it is important to start <strong>using antiviral creams or ointments<\/strong>, available over the counter or on a doctor&#8217;s advice. Regular use of these medications <strong>can shorten the outbreak and ease pain<\/strong>. It is also important to keep the affected area clean and dry, avoid touching the sores and blisters, and use separate towels to prevent the virus spreading. To reduce the chance of a recurrence, <strong>caring for your general health and wellbeing<\/strong> is key. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/cold-sores\/\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">NHS advice on cold sores<\/a> offers further guidance on self-care and when to seek help.<\/p>\n<h2>The immune system and herpes: why it appears and how to prevent it<\/h2>\n<p>The immune system plays <strong>a key role in controlling the herpes simplex virus<\/strong>. When the immune system is strong, it <strong>successfully controls the virus<\/strong> and prevents outbreaks. But when it is weakened by illness, stress or other factors, the chance of the virus reactivating and a cold sore appearing increases.<\/p>\n<p>The immune system is our <strong>first line of defence against many infections<\/strong>, including the herpes simplex virus. To keep the immune system strong, it is important to ensure a balanced <strong>diet rich in vitamins and minerals<\/strong>, regular physical activity, sufficient sleep and effective stress management.<\/p>\n<h3>A holistic approach to preventing cold sores<\/h3>\n<p>Preventing cold sores depends not only on the health of the immune system but also on <strong>many external factors<\/strong>. Avoiding strong sunlight, using protective creams with a high SPF, avoiding stressful situations and maintaining general health are <strong>key steps in a holistic approach to preventing herpes<\/strong>. In addition, regular monitoring and visits to a doctor are important; if needed, the doctor can prescribe <strong>preventive antiviral medication<\/strong> that reduces the frequency and severity of outbreaks.<\/p>\n<h3>Effective treatment methods for cold sores<\/h3>\n<p>Treatment of cold sores focuses on relieving symptoms and shortening the outbreak. The choice of treatment depends on the severity and frequency of outbreaks. While various <strong>pharmaceutical medications<\/strong> are available, some people also choose <strong>natural approaches<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Antiviral ointments and creams are often the first choice for treating cold sores. They work by <strong>inhibiting the virus from multiplying<\/strong>, which helps reduce the severity and duration of the outbreak. For the best effect, it is important to <strong>start treatment as soon as possible after the first symptoms appear<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3>Home remedies for cold sores: facts and myths<\/h3>\n<p>There are several home remedies for treating herpes, some supported by scientific evidence and others less effective. Some recommended home remedies include <strong>applying cold compresses<\/strong> to the affected area and <strong>using aloe vera gel or honey<\/strong>. It is important to be aware that home remedies are not a substitute for antiviral medication.<\/p>\n<h3>Pharmaceutical medications for cold sores<\/h3>\n<p>For more serious or frequent cold sore outbreaks, a doctor may prescribe oral antiviral medications such as aciclovir, valaciclovir or famciclovir. Oral antiviral medications are available on prescription and must be taken according to the doctor&#8217;s instructions; the doctor assesses the need for them based on the severity and frequency of outbreaks.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"od-info\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 920 190\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"Your path to a healthy smile\"><text x=\"460\" y=\"34\" text-anchor=\"middle\" font-family=\"Arial,sans-serif\" font-size=\"22\" font-weight=\"700\" fill=\"#173a4d\">Your path to a healthy smile<\/text><line x1=\"147\" y1=\"88\" x2=\"313\" y2=\"88\" stroke=\"#bfe3f4\" stroke-width=\"3\"\/><circle cx=\"115\" cy=\"88\" r=\"26\" fill=\"#1ba3dd\"\/><text x=\"115\" y=\"95\" text-anchor=\"middle\" font-family=\"Arial,sans-serif\" font-size=\"22\" font-weight=\"700\" fill=\"#ffffff\">1<\/text><text x=\"115\" y=\"140\" text-anchor=\"middle\" font-family=\"Arial,sans-serif\" font-size=\"14\" fill=\"#173a4d\">Book a check-up<\/text><line x1=\"377\" y1=\"88\" x2=\"543\" y2=\"88\" stroke=\"#bfe3f4\" stroke-width=\"3\"\/><circle cx=\"345\" cy=\"88\" r=\"26\" fill=\"#1ba3dd\"\/><text x=\"345\" y=\"95\" text-anchor=\"middle\" font-family=\"Arial,sans-serif\" font-size=\"22\" font-weight=\"700\" fill=\"#ffffff\">2<\/text><text x=\"345\" y=\"140\" text-anchor=\"middle\" font-family=\"Arial,sans-serif\" font-size=\"14\" fill=\"#173a4d\">Personal plan<\/text><line x1=\"607\" y1=\"88\" x2=\"773\" y2=\"88\" stroke=\"#bfe3f4\" stroke-width=\"3\"\/><circle cx=\"575\" cy=\"88\" r=\"26\" fill=\"#1ba3dd\"\/><text x=\"575\" y=\"95\" text-anchor=\"middle\" font-family=\"Arial,sans-serif\" font-size=\"22\" font-weight=\"700\" fill=\"#ffffff\">3<\/text><text x=\"575\" y=\"140\" text-anchor=\"middle\" font-family=\"Arial,sans-serif\" font-size=\"14\" fill=\"#173a4d\">Treatment<\/text><circle cx=\"805\" cy=\"88\" r=\"26\" fill=\"#1ba3dd\"\/><text x=\"805\" y=\"95\" text-anchor=\"middle\" font-family=\"Arial,sans-serif\" font-size=\"22\" font-weight=\"700\" fill=\"#ffffff\">4<\/text><text x=\"805\" y=\"140\" text-anchor=\"middle\" font-family=\"Arial,sans-serif\" font-size=\"14\" fill=\"#173a4d\">Maintenance<\/text><\/svg><\/figure>\n<h2>Protection and prevention: how to protect yourself and others<\/h2>\n<p>Preventing the spread of cold sores is crucial, because the virus is highly contagious, especially when blisters and sores are present. This requires <strong>awareness and responsible behaviour<\/strong> to protect yourself and others from transmission. To protect those closest to you, it is important to <strong>avoid direct contact during an outbreak<\/strong>, such as kissing, and <strong>sharing personal items<\/strong> such as towels and cutlery. <strong>Regular hand washing and the use of antiviral ointments<\/strong>, which reduce contagiousness, are also important.<\/p>\n<h3>Cold sores in children<\/h3>\n<p>Children are also susceptible to herpes infection, which is most often transmitted through direct contact with an infected person. <strong>The symptoms of herpes in children are similar to those in adults<\/strong> &#8211; blisters, redness and itching appear. <strong>Treatment is generally the same<\/strong> as for adults, but it is essential that parents consult a paediatrician before starting treatment. The paediatrician will prescribe suitable <strong>antiviral medications and ointments<\/strong> and advise on the best practices for relieving symptoms and preventing the spread of the virus.<\/p>\n<h2>Laser therapy for cold sores at OrthoDental<\/h2>\n<p>At OrthoDental, laser therapy can help relieve the discomfort of a cold sore and speed up healing, especially when treatment starts at the first signs of an outbreak. If you have any <a href=\"https:\/\/orthodental.si\/en\/bad-breath\/\">other oral concerns<\/a>, we are happy to advise you.<\/p>\n<p class=\"od-cta-wrap\"><a class=\"od-cta-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/orthodental.si\/en\/contact\/\">Book an appointment<\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n<details>\n<summary>Are cold sores contagious?<\/summary>\n<p>Yes. The herpes simplex virus is highly contagious, especially while blisters and sores are present. Avoid direct contact such as kissing during an outbreak, do not share towels or cutlery, and wash your hands regularly.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>Can cold sores be cured?<\/summary>\n<p>No. Because the virus stays in the body for life, cold sores cannot be cured. However, the symptoms can be managed and outbreaks shortened with antiviral creams or, for frequent outbreaks, prescription antiviral tablets.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>What triggers a cold sore outbreak?<\/summary>\n<p>Outbreaks usually occur when the immune system is weakened. Common triggers include stress, fatigue, illness, sun exposure and, for some people, menstruation.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>How can laser therapy help?<\/summary>\n<p>At OrthoDental, laser therapy can relieve the discomfort of a cold sore and speed up healing, particularly when treatment begins at the very first signs of an outbreak.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<h2>Related reading<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/orthodental.si\/en\/canker-sores\/\">Canker sores<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/orthodental.si\/en\/bad-breath\/\">Bad breath<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/orthodental.si\/en\/oral-hygiene\/\">Oral hygiene<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"od-post-cta\">\n<h3>Ready for a healthy, confident smile?<\/h3>\n<p>Book a check-up at OrthoDental &mdash; expert care across 5 clinics in Slovenia, with no waiting list.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"od-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/orthodental.si\/en\/contact\/\">Book a check-up<\/a><a class=\"od-btn alt\" href=\"https:\/\/orthodental.si\/en\/bad-breath\/\">Read about bad breath<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"kk-star-ratings kksr-auto kksr-align-right kksr-valign-bottom kksr-disabled\"\n    data-payload='{&quot;align&quot;:&quot;right&quot;,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;8841&quot;,&quot;readonly&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;slug&quot;:&quot;default&quot;,&quot;valign&quot;:&quot;bottom&quot;,&quot;ignore&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;reference&quot;:&quot;auto&quot;,&quot;class&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;count&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;legendonly&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;score&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;starsonly&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;best&quot;:&quot;5&quot;,&quot;gap&quot;:&quot;5&quot;,&quot;greet&quot;:&quot;Ocena uporabnikov&quot;,&quot;legend&quot;:&quot;0\\\/5 - (0 votes)&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;14&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Cold sores (oral herpes) | Causes, symptoms and treatment&quot;,&quot;width&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;_legend&quot;:&quot;{score}\\\/{best} - ({count} {votes})&quot;,&quot;font_factor&quot;:&quot;1.25&quot;}'>\n            \n<div class=\"kksr-stars\">\n    \n<div class=\"kksr-stars-inactive\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"1\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 14px; height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"2\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 14px; height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"3\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 14px; height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"4\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 14px; height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"5\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 14px; height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n<div class=\"kksr-stars-active\" style=\"width: 0px;\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 14px; height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 14px; height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 14px; height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 14px; height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 14px; height: 14px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n                \n\n<div class=\"kksr-legend\" style=\"font-size: 11.2px;\">\n            <span class=\"kksr-muted\">Ocena uporabnikov<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Cold sores on the lips are a common viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. Discover how to relieve the uncomfortable symptoms and prevent outbreaks.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":8842,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v20.12 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Cold sores (oral herpes) \u2013 causes, symptoms and treatment<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Cold sores explained: what causes oral herpes, how to recognise and treat outbreaks, prevent spread and when laser therapy helps - by an OrthoDental specialist.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/orthodental.si\/en\/cold-sores-oral-herpes\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Cold sores (oral herpes) \u2013 causes, symptoms and treatment\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Cold sores explained: what causes oral herpes, how to recognise and treat outbreaks, prevent spread and when laser therapy helps - 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