What causes cold sores?

Answer by  Kath (1537)

The herpes simplex virus causes cold sores in everyone. A weak immune system, stress or low PH can trigger them.

Answer by  Connie45 (1110)

They are caused by the herpes simplex virus. They can be controlled by keeping your lips moist and using an ointment such as Campho-Phenique at the first sign of eruption.

Answer by  jsmith (2067)

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus type I. You keep getting them because your body will never completely clear the viral infection, it just goes into remission and flares up again. You will have this condition for life.

Answer by  sailoryue (853)

The most common cause for cold sores is either biting the cheek or biting the lips. It's mainly an irritated membrane in your mouth that becomes overly senstive. I suffer from them all the time myself, and one best way to help prevent them is to take b vitamins. Not sure what can causes them on the gumline tho.