If the corner of your mouth or lip tingles and burns, if itchy blisters form, then these are usually symptoms of cold sores, known as herpes labialis. It is triggered by a virus. Many people carry it for years without realizing it until it becomes active for the first time.

There is currently no cure for the virus

In most cases, the disease is caused by the herpes simplex virus type I, very rarely by type II. Around 80 to 90 percent of Germans are infected with the pathogen. There is currently no cure for it, only the symptoms can be treated. And: the virus can break out again at any time.

Don't touch the bladder with your fingers

The golden rule is: hands off. Even if it seems tempting to press on the blister, this is exactly the wrong thing to do. This can cause the wound to become even more inflamed, as other bacteria are transferred when you touch it with your fingers. Andthe blister itself poses a risk of infection, as the fluid can infect other areas of skin when the blister bursts.

Sun, stress and fever can be triggers

What exactly causes the viruses to awaken from their dormant state at some point has not yet been clearly established scientifically. However, intense sunlight, hormonal changes, fever or even disgust are suspected. Disgust causes stress, increases adrenaline production and thus also weakens the immune system.

Vinegar or alcohol dry out the herpes

Cold sores last around seven to ten days if left untreated. Many sufferers resort to drying home remedies. But if you want to speed up the drying out of the cold sore, this can actually slow down the healing process. Toothpaste, vinegar or alcohol should not be used, as they can loosen the healing wound crust. Tea tree oil is also not a herpes home remedy, as it could irritate the skin further and also trigger an allergy.

What helps against herpes? The best remedy from the pharmacy

Creams from the pharmacy with the active ingredient acyclovir or penciclovir help to get herpes under control more quickly. Melissa extract (pharmacy) is also said to help. Products containing zinc sulphate are also recommended - both prevent the virus from penetrating the cell. A herpes plaster applied directly to the lip starves the virus, so to speak. Herpes treatment should be started as soon as the very first tingling sensation occurs.