As soon as an important appointment is announced, your lip starts to tingle. A slight feeling of tightness that can lead to the formation of visible blisters within hours. Cold sores often cause pain and also affect your appearance. Now is the time to take action before the virus makes its way through. With the right care and targeted prevention, cold sores can be effectively prevented, especially in stressful times.
What is cold sores and why is prevention so important?
Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). The virus is extremely widespread: According to the WHO, around two out of three adults under the age of 50 worldwide carry HSV-1. The initial infection often goes unnoticed. However, once the virus has established itself in the body, it persists for life and can be reactivated at any time. Only around 30% of those infected develop visible herpes blisters in the course of their lives – some only once, others repeatedly. Typical triggers of an outbreak are stress, intense sunlight, a weakened immune system or a cold. This is when the characteristic blisters appear on the lip.
Common triggers of cold sores
Only those who know their own triggers can take timely countermeasures before the virus makes its way to the surface. To prevent herpes blisters, you should therefore be aware of your personal risk factors:
- Mental stress can increase susceptibility to cold sores, as stress hormones upset the immune system.
- Intense UV radiation, for example during sunbathing or winter sports, is a common trigger because it irritates the sensitive skin of the lips and can activate the virus.
- Flu-like infections or fevers put a strain on the immune system – in this weakened phase, the virus has an easy time of it.
- Hormonal fluctuations, for example during the menstrual cycle, can influence the immune system and promote herpes reactivation.
- Mechanical stimuli on the lip, for example through dryness, cold, minor injuries or frequent lip licking, create entry points for the virus.
Symptoms: How a herpes flare-up manifests itself
A cold sore manifests itself in several phases:
- Initially, a tingling, burning or tight feeling is noticeable – often the first warning sign of an impending flare-up.
- Within a short time, fluid-filled blisters form, which contain a particularly large number of viruses.
- After bursting, an oozing wound develops, which later crusts over.
- Complete healing usually takes 7 to 10 days.
During this time, the virus is highly contagious – especially through skin contact, saliva or shared objects such as glasses, cutlery or towels. Viruses can be transmitted even in the early tingling phase, even if nothing is visible on the outside. To avoid infecting others and spreading the virus to other parts of the body, consistent hygiene is crucial: wash your hands regularly, do not touch blisters and do not share care products with others.
Preventing cold sores: the best everyday tips
Even if the virus is dormant in the body, the next outbreak can often be prevented – if you take the wind out of its sails in good time. These everyday measures have proven to be effective protection:
- Strengthen your immune system through sufficient sleep, exercise and a healthy diet
- Use UV protection for the lips, especially in summer and during winter sports
- Stress reduction: yoga, mindfulness and small breaks in everyday life help to relieve the nervous system
- Lip care: avoid drying out, especially in the cold season
- Avoid individual triggers: e.g. avoid irritating cosmetics
Care products with targeted active ingredients can provide additional support
In addition to a conscious lifestyle and avoiding known triggers, special lip care can also help to prevent cold sores – especially when the first signs such as tingling or a feeling of tightness appear.
One example of supportive lip care is Spirularin® HS from Ocean Pharma. It contains the microalgae active ingredient Spiralin®, which forms a protective film on the skin of the lips and promotes natural regeneration. Spiralin® has been scientifically tested for its antiviral properties and is considered to be well tolerated.
The care is complemented by zinc, shea butter, jojoba oil and panthenol – a combination that soothes, nourishes and protects the lips from drying out. When used regularly, it can help to make the skin more resistant to external irritants such as UV radiation, cold or dry air.
FAQ
Can cold sores be permanently prevented?
No, the herpes virus remains in the body for life after the initial infection. However, targeted prevention – such as stress reduction, UV protection and regular lip care – can significantly reduce the frequency of outbreaks.
What helps at the first signs?
If a feeling of tightness or tingling occurs on the lip, quick action is required. Careful care with supportive products such as Spirularin® HS can help to stabilize the skin and, in the best case, prevent an outbreak.
Is cold sores contagious?
Yes, especially in the phase when blisters are visible and fluid is leaking, the virus is easily transmissible. Strict hygiene and avoiding close skin contact are particularly important during this time.
Why does cold sores often develop in the sun?
UV radiation can weaken the skin’s immune system and reactivate the dormant virus. A lip balm with an integrated sun protection factor is therefore particularly recommended in summer or during winter sports.
What role does stress play?
Mental or physical stress has a negative effect on the immune system and can encourage reactivation of the virus. Relaxation phases in everyday life help to stabilize the immune system.
Are there home remedies for cold sores?
Home remedies such as honey, tea tree oil or lemon balm are often mentioned, but their effectiveness has hardly been scientifically proven. They can be used to supplement care, but are no substitute for targeted protective measures.
Source: World Health Organization (WHO) 2025: Herpes simplex virus. Online at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/herpes-simplex-virus (accessed on 28.11.2025).
Experten-Tipp entstand in Zusammenarbeit mit:
Patrick Günther
Patrick Günther completed his pharmacy studies in Hamburg and, after obtaining his licence to practise, worked for several years in marketing and sales in the pharmaceutical industry. In 2003, he took over ocean pharma, the company founded by his father in Reinbek near Hamburg in 1978. Together with his business partner, he patented the important processing and standardisation process for the microalgae active ingredient Spiralin® and developed a wide range of medical cosmetics and foot care products based on Spiralin®.
