Cold Sores

In Western medicine, cold sores are defined as Herpes Labialis, a term derived from the observation that they often manifest during periods of cold and fever. These lesions are caused by two types of viruses, namely HSV-1 (associated with cold sores) and HSV-2 (linked to genital herpes). It's important to note that acquiring HSV-1 through oral-genital contact can lead to genital herpes rather than cold sores. The progression of cold sores generally follows five stages: tingling, blistering, weeping, crusting, and eventual healing. In the context of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), cold sores, referred to as Herpes or Re Chuang, are attributed to various potential patterns of disharmony. These patterns include: 1) Wind heat attacking the upper Jiao (comprising the heart and lungs), leading to manifestations on the head and face. 2) Damp heat lodging in the lower Jiao (manifesting in the genital region). 3) Heat accumulation in the stomach and spleen, often resulting in recurring lesions on the face, especially around the mouth. 4) Deficient heat pattern, characterized by lesions accompanied by dry mouth and a preference for cold drinks.