5 Unusual Things That Triggered My Cold Sores in the Past

Cold sores have a way of showing up at the most inconvenient times, often triggered by unexpected things. Over the years, I’ve noticed some unusual factors that can set off an outbreak, beyond the usual suspects like diet and stress.

Below, a list of five strange but real triggers that have caused cold sores for me in the past, each with their own explanation of why they might provoke an outbreak.

1. Travel

Travel is one of the most frequent but surprising triggers that sets off cold sores for me. It’s not just the journey itself, but the multiple stressors involved.

First, there’s the physical stress of carrying luggage, rushing through airports, and adjusting to new time zones. This physically strains the body and can lower the immune system’s ability to suppress the herpes virus.

Then, the mental and emotional stress kicks in, especially since I mostly travel for work rather than leisure. Constant deadlines, unfamiliar environments, and a lack of real relaxation time all add psychological pressure.

This combination of physical exhaustion and mental stress weakens the immune system, which is the main reason the dormant virus gets activated. On top of that, disrupted sleep and changes in diet or hydration during travel make it even harder for my body to keep HSV in check.

If you regularly travel, especially under stressful conditions, it’s important to recognize how these factors work together to trigger outbreaks and take steps to manage your stress and care for your immune system.

2. Christmas

Christmas, despite being a festive time, often brings a perfect storm of triggers that can cause cold sore flare-ups for me.

One major factor is traveling long distances to visit family, which combines everything stressful about travel—physical exhaustion, disrupted routines, and immune system suppression.

On top of that, the emotional strain of family dynamics and social obligations during the holidays can ramp up stress levels significantly. For me, dealing with a difficult family and the pressure to send numerous Christmas wishes and gifts feels overwhelming.

Lastly, the cold, dry winter air typical of a white Christmas season dries out and cracks my lips, making them vulnerable to cold sore outbreaks. The combination of these stressors—both physical and emotional—creates an environment where the herpes virus can easily reactivate.

3. Partying

Party nights used to be harmless in my twenties, but now they often become a trigger for cold sores. The main culprit here is the combination of sleep deprivation, alcohol consumption, and dehydration.

When I party, especially at music festivals or raves that stretch through the night, my body doesn't get enough rest, and the lack of sleep weakens my immune system.

Additionally, alcohol causes dehydration and affects how my body regulates temperature and immune responses.

The physical stress from dancing and sweating, combined with these factors, creates an environment where HSV can flare up. I’ve learned to stay hydrated and keep my lips moisturized, but even then, sometimes it’s just not enough.

4. Wisdom Teeth

I never imagined that a dental procedure like having a wisdom tooth removed could trigger a cold sore outbreak, but it happened to me.

The physical trauma from surgery around the mouth area can irritate the nerves where the herpes simplex virus lies dormant. This localized irritation can reactivate the virus, causing a cold sore to form.

In addition to the physical impact, the stress and immune suppression that often come with surgical procedures contribute to the outbreak.

This is a less obvious but surprisingly common trigger, especially for those who have had oral surgeries or dental work.

5. Vampires

Yes, you read that correctly. A vampire gave me a cold sore once. His name was not Olaf, and he technically wasn't undead, but trust me - he did BITE.

It is a known fact that kissing can be a leading cause of transmission of the HSV virus, but aggressive kissing can also bruise your lips enough to cause micro-injuries. These tiny wounds create an entry point and irritation that can wake the dormant virus already residing in your skin.

When the delicate skin on your lips is damaged, it triggers inflammation and stress locally, which is enough to reactivate the herpes simplex virus and cause a cold sore outbreak. Needless to say, he did not get a second date.

While these triggers might seem unusual or even surprising, they all share one common factor: they cause stress or physical irritation that weakens the immune system or damages the skin. This creates the perfect environment for the herpes simplex virus to reactivate and cause cold sores.

Being aware of these triggers has helped me better manage outbreaks by taking preventive steps—whether that means prioritizing rest during travel, protecting my lips in cold weather, or staying hydrated during parties.

Everyone’s triggers can be different, but understanding the link between stress, physical trauma, and cold sores is key to keeping them under control.