Cold sores on the lips are caused by the herpes simplex virus

the verdict

SUPPORTED

the evidence backs this

Recorded sources

3 sources for · 0 against

Counts group repeated records of the same source within each side. They do not measure evidence strength or source independence.

Cold sores, or herpes labialis, are well-documented clinical manifestations caused by infection with the herpes simplex virus (primarily HSV-1).

The analysis

The retrieved literature consistently confirms that cold sores (herpes labialis) are caused by the herpes simplex virus, specifically HSV-1. Multiple papers support this established medical fact without any contradictory evidence.

Evidence for · 3

A Comprehensive Overview of Epidemiology, Pathogenesis and the Management of Herpes Labialis

Recorded source metadata

Divya Gopinath, Kim Hoe Koe, Mari Kannan Maharajan, Swagatika Panda. A Comprehensive Overview of Epidemiology, Pathogenesis and the Management of Herpes Labialis. 2023. https://doi.org/10.3390/v15010225

Paper 0 explicitly states that recurrent herpes labialis evolves from initial infection by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1).

Source citation format

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More for · 2

Epidemiology of Recurrent Herpes Labialis: A Prevalence Meta-analysis

Recorded source metadata

Alberto Rodriguez-Archilla, Maria Rosa Guerrero-Campos. Epidemiology of Recurrent Herpes Labialis: A Prevalence Meta-analysis. 2025. https://doi.org/10.4103/cmi.cmi_7_25

Paper 9 discusses the epidemiology and global prevalence of recurrent herpes labialis.

Source citation format

Penanganan herpes simpleks labialis rekuren (Management of recurrent herpes simplex labialis)

Recorded source metadata

Harlina Harlina, Erni Marlina, Athifah Athifah. Penanganan herpes simpleks labialis rekuren (Management of recurrent herpes simplex labialis). 2014. https://doi.org/10.15562/jdmfs.v13i3.415

Paper 10 discusses herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) as the causative agent of herpes labialis and its clinical management.

Source citation format

The paper trail · every fact has a biography

first checked01 Aug 2026

judged → SUPPORTED · 8701 Aug 2026

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