The first time the herpes simplex virus invades the skin, it causes a primary infection, which usually occurs in adolescence. It may cause a sore mouth and or sore throat.
After this initial infection subsides, the virus remains dormant indefinitely near the once affected skin area.
The virus may become active again and cause new cold sores or fever blisters, usually on the lip. These new outbreaks can be triggered on its own or from other factors such as stress, trauma to the lip, suppression of the immune system, poor nutrition, dental procedures and exposure to the sun. Wind and other weather conditions also can trigger cold sores if your lips become too dry.
You can help to prevent a primary herpes infection in children by not allowing them to be kissed by anyone who has cold sores, fever blisters or signs of a primary herpes infection.
However, despite these protective measures, most children will be infected with HSV-1 by the time they reach adulthood.
Treatment of cold sores and fever blisters can be done with antiviral medications if the medication is applied before the blisters appear. Keep the affected area clean and try not to touch the affected area and avoid kissing anyone while you have HSV-1.
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