Not every cold sore is triggered by the same thing. There are actually seven common factors that are likely causes of an outbreak. Knowing what triggers cold sores in general can help you identify personal triggers and take the necessary steps to manage them.

	Fatigue Stress Cold Weather Sun Exposure Hormones Trauma Fever, Cold or Flu

Like stress and illness, fatigue can weaken the body's immune system, creating a situation that increases the potential for a cold sore episode. In today's hectic world, it sometimes seems that fatigue is something we learn to live with. But for cold sore sufferers, it's worth trying to keep fatigue under control.

You probably know when you're stressed out. But did you know that stress goes beyond your emotional state and affects the body? Stress can impact the immune system, allowing the dormant cold sore virus to resurface.

Exposure to cold weather, dry air and wind can dry out lips and the sensitive area around the mouth. This exposure can trigger a cold sore.

Sure, they're called cold sores, but the sun can also trigger them. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can damage skin and lead to a cold sore outbreak.

In women, hormonal changes during menstruation can trigger cold sores. These changes in hormone levels can sometimes trigger an outbreak.

Trauma to the mouth or lips can also trigger a cold sore episode. This trauma may come from an injury to the mouth, or it may come after a dentist visit. Prolonged dentist procedures that pull at the sensitive area around the mouth can irritate tissue. If this is one of your triggers, talk to your dentist about it.

A fever, a cold or the flu can leave you feeling run-down and can lead to a cold sore episode. When you feel a cold, fever or flu coming on, listen to the experts and get plenty of rest and fluids.