Pimples from a cold
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"Krosty z przeziębienia" are a colloquial term for skin lesions that appear during or following viral upper respiratory tract infections, most often the common cold or influenza. In dermatological practice this term most commonly refers to herpetic lesions caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), and less often to small inflammatory changes associated with weakened immunity during infection. The lesions may take the form of vesicles filled with serous fluid that rupture and develop into erosions and crusts. These changes often appear suddenly, are painful or burning, and may recur during periods of reduced immunity. Although they are usually mild and self-limiting, they can cause significant discomfort and may require symptomatic or antiviral treatment.
Pimples from a cold – location
Skin changes referred to as cold sores most often localize on the face and in areas where reactivation of the herpes simplex virus occurs. HSV-1 remains dormant in the body in nerve ganglia and can reactivate during periods of weakened immunity, stress, fatigue, or during viral infections.
The most common locations of the lesions include:
- around the mouth and lips – the classic lip herpes (herpes labialis), appearing at the vermilion border,
- skin around the nose – especially the nasal alae and areas around the nostrils,
- chin and cheek areas, where secondary skin infection may occur,
- oral area – lesions may also involve the mucous membrane of the lips and gums,
- less commonly the eye area – in which case they may pose a more serious threat and require urgent medical consultation.
Lesions are usually preceded by so-called prodromal symptoms, i.e., early signals of viral reactivation. Patients often feel:
- burning,
- tingling,
- itching,
- tightness of the skin at the site of the future lesion.
After several hours or days, small fluid-filled blisters appear, which over time rupture, forming erosions and crusts. The entire process usually lasts from 7 to 14 days.
In some cases, particularly in immunocompromised individuals, lesions may be more extensive, more numerous, and heal more slowly. Occasionally there is also secondary bacterial infection, which causes the formation of pus-filled pustules and increased inflammation.
Cold sores – are they contagious?
Skin lesions commonly referred to as cold sores, especially if associated with reactivation of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), can be contagious to others. The highest risk of virus transmission occurs during the active phase of infection, that is, when blisters filled with serous fluid are present. This fluid contains a large number of viral particles that can be transmitted through direct contact with the skin lesion or with the blister exudate.
Infection can occur mainly through:
- direct skin-to-skin contact, e.g., kissing,
- contact with exudate from herpes blisters,
- using shared personal items such as towels, cutlery, glasses, or lip cosmetics,
- touching the lesions and then other areas of skin or mucous membranes.
Particular caution should be exercised by people with weakened immunity, pregnant women, newborns, and people with chronic diseases, because in them the infection can have a more severe course. The virus can also be transferred to other parts of the same person's body, leading to so-called autoinoculation, i.e., self-infection (e.g., transfer of the virus from the lips to the eye area).
To reduce the risk of infecting others during active lesions, it is recommended to:
- avoid direct contact between skin lesions and other people,
- frequent hand washing and disinfection,
- not using shared personal items,
- refrain from touching or picking at the blisters.
It is worth emphasizing that after the lesions heal, the virus does not disappear from the body but remains in the nerve ganglia in a latent state. This means that under favorable conditions – such as infection, stress, fatigue, or exposure to intense UV radiation – reactivation of the disease and recurrence of skin lesions may occur.
Pimples from a cold – treatment
Treatment of sores that appear during a cold depends primarily on their cause. If the lesions are cold sores, the basis of therapy is antiviral treatment and symptomatic measures that accelerate skin healing.
The most commonly used methods include:
1. Antiviral treatment
Preparations containing substances that inhibit HSV replication, such as:
- acyclovir,
- penciclovir,
- valacyclovir.
These drugs can be used topically as creams or — in more severe cases — systemically as tablets. They are most effective when applied in the early phase of infection, before blisters appear.
2. Symptomatic treatment
To relieve symptoms and speed healing, the following are also used:
- preparations with drying and protective action (e.g., containing zinc oxide),
- regenerating creams that support epidermal repair,
- antiseptic preparations that prevent bacterial superinfection.
During the infection it is also recommended to:
- avoid touching and picking at the lesions,
- maintain good hand hygiene,
- not use the same towels or cosmetics as other people.
3. Supporting immunity
Because reactivation of the herpes virus is often associated with decreased immunity, measures supporting immune system function are important, such as:
- adequate sleep,
- a proper diet rich in vitamins and micronutrients,
- stress reduction,
- supplementation with vitamin C, zinc, or vitamin D in justified cases.
In the case of very frequent herpes recurrences, a doctor may consider prophylactic antiviral treatment.
It is worth emphasizing that most lesions referred to as cold-related sores resolve spontaneously within about two weeks. However, if lesions are extensive, painful, persistent, or appear near the eyes, medical consultation is necessary, as they may require specialist treatment.
