Herpes: Causes

Herpes viruses are widespread throughout the world. In terms of causes, a distinction must be made between the reason for the initial infection and the triggers for the later recurring outbreaks, which manifest themselves, for example, in the form of cold sores or even herpes on the nose or in the genital area.

Cause of herpes: infection usually occurs in childhood

The cause of herpes infection is always due to infection. It is not known exactly how many people carry the herpes simplex virus, but it is estimated that a large proportion are infected: about 85 percent with type 1 and 25 percent with type 2. The virus remains in the body for life. In most people, the initial infection (which predominantly occurs in childhood) goes unnoticed, and only a proportion of virus carriers experience the familiar recurrent outbreaks.

Herpes viruses are transmitted from the contents of the vesicles through direct contact, for example when kissing or through droplets when coughing or sneezing. Sharing a towel or drinking glass can also lead to infection.

Triggers of acute herpes outbreaks.

Due to different triggers, the viruses lying dormant in the body can travel along the nerve pathways back to the skin and lips, and then the typical cold sores occur. Herpes outbreaks are triggered by stress – physical or mental. They occur particularly often during acute and especially febrile illnesses, when the immune system is busy fighting off other pathogens. This is where the popular name cold sores comes from.

Strong sunlight, injuries or menstrual bleeding are also situations in which cold sores often occur. Even emotional stress such as disgust, shock or fear can trigger an attack.

The most common triggers of herpes are:

  • Fever, cold or flu.
  • Weakened immune defenses (for example, in severe illness or after surgery).
  • Exposure to sunlight, especially in the high mountains or by the sea.
  • Mechanical irritation or injury, for example, dental treatment.
  • Menstruation
  • Stress or grief
  • Feelings of disgust
  • Temperature fluctuations
  • Hygiene deficiencies