All About Cold Sores

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus. The first time you usually catch it from other people who have the virus by direct contact – like kissing or during sex – as although most cold sores occur around your mouth you can get them around you vulva and penis. Unfortunately this virus tends to hang around in your skin and reoccur, particularly in strong sunlight or very cold weather. There is a special cream called ‘Acyclovir’ which you can buy over the counter from a chemist or get a prescription for from your doctor.