Just when you think you've seen the last of them...

They're back.

Maybe yours appear every time you're stressed. Maybe it's after a holiday in the sun. Maybe they seem to arrive before every major event in your calendar with almost impressive consistency.

If you experience recurring cold sores, there's a reason they can keep coming back.

First, why do cold sores come back?

Most oral cold sores are caused by herpes simplex virus type 1, or HSV-1.

Once you acquire HSV-1, the virus remains in your body. After the initial infection, it can remain dormant for long periods before becoming active again and causing another visible cold sore.

So a recurring cold sore isn't usually a new infection.

It's a reactivation of the virus already present in your body.

The interesting part is figuring out what might be triggering yours.

1. Stress

Cold sore appearing during the most stressful week of your life?

Classic.

Physical and emotional stress can affect immune function and is a commonly reported trigger for recurrent cold sores.

If you notice yours tend to appear around particularly stressful periods, this could be one of your personal triggers.

2. Feeling sick or run down

There's a reason cold sores are sometimes called fever blisters.

Illness, fever and fatigue can be associated with HSV-1 reactivation.

For some people, a cold sore almost becomes an unwanted notification that they've been doing too much and not resting enough.

3. Sun exposure

Holiday photos looking great.

Lip? Less thrilled.

UV exposure is another recognised cold sore trigger, particularly for people prone to recurring outbreaks.

If this sounds like you, make an SPF lip product part of your everyday routine and remember to reapply it regularly when you're outdoors.

4. Hormonal changes

Hormonal fluctuations associated with menstruation can trigger cold sores in some people.

Tracking when your outbreaks happen may help you identify whether there's a recurring pattern.

5. Trauma or irritation around the lips

Dental work, cracked lips, physical irritation or other trauma around the mouth can potentially trigger a flare-up in susceptible people.

It's another reason to keep cold sore-prone lips hydrated and conditioned, rather than waiting until they're already dry and compromised.

How can I work out my cold sore triggers?

Start tracking them.

Every time you experience an outbreak, make a quick note of what happened during the previous few days.

Were you:

• Stressed?
• Sick?
• Travelling?
• In the sun?
• Sleeping badly?
• Menstruating?
• Experiencing particularly dry or irritated lips?

Over time, patterns may start to appear.

Knowing your triggers won't guarantee you'll never experience another cold sore, but it can help you become better prepared.

And preparation matters

If you're prone to recurring cold sores, don't wait until you wake up with one before trying to find everything you need.

Keep any doctor- or pharmacist-recommended antiviral treatment accessible, particularly because antiviral treatments are generally most effective when started early.

Then keep your complementary lip care close too.

Our Lysine Lip Healing Patches were designed as a targeted morning and night step.

Flare-Up Rescue Mist provides touch-free, invisible hydration throughout the day.

And Lysine Healing Lip Serum helps hydrate, condition and nourish cold sore-prone lips during and between flare-ups.

Because cold sores rarely check your calendar before making an appearance.

Better to be ready when they do.

This article provides general educational information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you experience frequent, severe or persistent cold sores, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.