Question:
a very outspoken and stubborn friend of mine (who has hsv1) is convinced
that anyone that has ever had a cold sore. those scabby, juice filled,
things on the lips has hsv1 or hsv2. I have had a cold sore or two before, I
got them whilst alpine skiing. Now I am not saying that I do not have hsv1,
but I have not had a cold sore for 11 years or so, merrily that COLD sores
can arise from a other causes other than hsv1. One such cause could be COLD
wind blown on a mucus membrane especially the corners, to the point where it
dries out and cracks only to then get infected. usually with hot chocolate
and fries with gravy. could some one with credentials please straighten one
of us out?
Answer:
As far as I know, cold sores are caused by the herpes virus. They lay dormant
for long amounts of time until some such stress comes along and causes an
outbreak. Your outbreaks appear to be triggered by cold. But many people
have outbreaks triggered by sunlight.
