Where did this come from?

Cold sores or herpes simplex are known to be psychosomatic, meaning they are brought on by stress.
I'm not surprised that you have one now, the current situation is enough to stress anyone out.

Posted too soon. The herpes simplex virus lies dormant in the body until something triggers it.

Once you get them once, you have them for life, pop up when you are rundown

i know this will sting your cold sore .but put vinegar or lemon juice on it....i have HPV virus and they pop up anywhere......havent had any for while though. tiredness and stress dont help...

Contagious too. Dab it with milk.

HSV can remain dormant for many years.
In fact, many people carry it but are unaware of it.

I have read you can dab perfume or aftershave on cold sores. Also holding an ice cube on it a few times a day should kill the virus.
I feel for you. I used to get them as a child on my lips and up my nose. As did my mum and sister.
It's said that being in the sun can bring them out too.

Dab alcohol in an open wound is NOT a good idea.
The ice cube will not kill the virus, but it may help with the itching, inflammation and redness.

Try a little (cool!) black coffee dabbed on it. That's what I used to use before the ointment became available.

Brunette10, sunlight is one of the worst things to bring out a cold sore.
It is usually the first few sunny days of the year that you are the most vulnerable.

Been thinking, we sat out a few days ago in the sun as it was so nice, just couldn’t resist. Thanks for your replies. I will try and keep it at bay, if possible.

Witch hazel dries it out without nipping too much. Surgical spirit is very effective - but stings!

Lysine has been proven to help avoid outbreaks