Increased dust and other pollutants in the air.
In spring, there is often more dust and pollutants in the air due to several factors. First, with the melting of snow, particles of dirt that have accumulated underneath are released into the environment — this can include road salts, leftover garbage, and dust that has been trapped beneath the snow. As the snow melts, these particles are lifted into the air, increasing pollution levels. Secondly, spring often sees fewer rainy days, which would typically wash away dirt from the streets. Without rain, dust and dirt that accumulate on surfaces remain in place and are actively stirred into the air by wind, vehicles or simply from people moving around. So, when you step outside, the pollutants carried by the winds can settle on your skin, clogging pores and creating an ideal environment for bacteria to grow. These accumulated pollutants on the lips can irritate the delicate skin, causing microtraumas or dryness, which opens the door for viruses, including herpes. The increased amount of pollen in the air can also weaken the immune system since the body expends resources battling allergic reactions. This, in turn, lowers the immune system’s ability to fight off viruses, which can activate herpes. Therefore, to prevent herpes flare-ups in spring, it’s important to pay attention to skin cleanliness and regularly clean your face from dust and pollutants.
Sudden weather changes.
Spring weather is highly unpredictable — one day it’s warm and the next it’s cooler. Such abrupt changes in weather conditions affect the skin, causing dryness and cracks, especially around the lips. Since the skin doesn’t have time to adapt, microcracks appear, allowing the herpes virus to penetrate the tissues. Additionally, sharp temperature fluctuations can reduce blood circulation on the skin’s surface, making it more vulnerable. These weather shifts can also negatively impact the body’s ability to defend itself against external threats, creating ideal conditions for herpes outbreaks on the lips. To minimize the risk, it’s essential to dress appropriately for the weather, use moisturizing lip creams and protective balms and avoid sudden temperature changes.
Excessive use of lip makeup.
In spring, the skin on the lips often becomes especially sensitive and prone to dryness due to sudden temperature changes and weather conditions. As a result, many people turn to lip makeup to add color and moisture. However, excessive use of lipsticks, lip glosses or other cosmetic products can lead to unexpected consequences. Some components in lip makeup, especially in low-quality products or those with strong fragrances and dyes, can irritate the skin, making it more vulnerable to infections, including the herpes virus. Additionally, constant application of makeup can prevent the lips from retaining natural moisture, increasing the likelihood of cracks and dryness. If there are tiny cracks on the lips, the herpes virus can penetrate the skin more easily, triggering an outbreak. Therefore, it’s essential to practice proper lip care, choose high-quality lip products, and regularly moisturize your lips with special balms.
Hormonal changes.
Hormonal changes, which often occur in spring, are one of the main causes of exacerbation of cold sores on the lips. Women with unstable hormonal cycles or during sudden hormonal changes are most susceptible to such fluctuations. This can be caused by stress, changes in diet, or natural processes in the body. Due to the influence of such factors, the immune defense weakens, allowing the herpes virus, which is already present in the body, to quickly activate and cause symptoms on the lips. Therefore, during seasonal changes, it is important to monitor your well-being more carefully and consult a specialist at the first signs of discomfort to promptly address any potential imbalances.
If a cold sore has already appeared on your lip, it is important to start using special creams, such as Acivir Cream, immediately. If necessary, you can also take medications like Acivir or Valcivir. Timely and proper treatment will help you quickly get rid of the unpleasant symptoms that occur when herpes appears.