3. When Mother Nature Strikes: Environmental Triggers
Nature, with all its wonders, also holds some triggers for cold sores. While we might appreciate a sunny day or a brisk winter morning, these environmental factors can sometimes be a nemesis for our lips.
Prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays can be one such trigger. How so? Well, UV rays can cause inflammation and damage to the lips, making them more vulnerable to a cold sore outbreak. So that sun-kissed tan might come at a price if one’s not careful.
On the other hand, the biting cold of winter poses its own set of challenges. Extremely low temperatures can strip the skin of its natural moisture. This dryness can lead to cracks and openings, providing an easy entry point for the HSV-1 virus, waiting in the wings.
It’s not just temperature extremes either. Wind, with its drying effect, can wreak havoc on unprotected lips. Combine this with already existing factors like low humidity, and it’s almost like rolling out a welcome mat for cold sores. (3)
