Ouch! When a cold sore decides to hatch on the edge of the lip, it's not only unsightly but it's also painful. Tingling, burning, itching ... But we must not touch it because we would risk spreading the contents of cold sores, a liquid loaded with viruses and highly contagious.

• The herp e s s, ca touch the world. In France, it is considered that nearly 37% of French people regularly have cold sores, due to Herpes Simplex 1. This virus sleeps in the body and only comes out in certain circumstances, when our natural defenses are down. For example, when you have a fever (hence the name cold sore), if you are tired, sick or even during periods of menstruation or during exposure to the sun.

• Beware of contagion. Most of the time it is during childhood that we "catch" this virus. When you wear one, to avoid spreading it, there are simple rules to know:

- do not kiss anyone - not even his children - as soon as you feel that it stings on the lip (even if no button has yet appeared) because the contagion is already possible and this for 10 to 15 days.

- do not touch the button with your fingers (you risk self-contamination, especially in the eyes).

- wash the affected area with soap and water and wipe it clean (dab with a disposable tissue to avoid impregnating its towels with viruses).

- avoid oral sex. Normally the genital herpes is due to another virus of the same family (Herpes Simplex 2) but the doctors see more and more her cousin Herpes Simplex 1 to settle in its place ...

- do not hide your button under foundation because applying it is likely to spread the herpes virus.

• Is it treated? No drug can eliminate the herpes virus from the body. But some anti-viral treatments (aciclovir and valaciclovir), to be taken orally, can reduce the frequency of seizures. In parallel, it is advisable to use a local treatment to decrease the intensity of the symptoms.

• 4 new counter products against pimples fi è fever:

- Filmogel buttons fi è fever, of Urgo. Applicable as a varnish, its tip deposits a protective film that prevents contamination since the button is covered and facilitates healing. Bottle of 3 ml and 24 disposable applicators 12,10 €.

- Remex patch (Genevrier laboratory), with hyaluronic acid, a moisturizing active ingredient that accelerates healing while protecting the pimple to prevent contamination. Its real plus: this patch is compatible with the application of a local antiviral like aciclovir once the cream has penetrated. Box of 10 patches, 9,50 €.

- Lotion Button è the lips of Phytosun Aroms. Composed of 4 essential oils (niaouli, lemon grass, peppermint and lavender aspic), this lotion is applied using cotton swab (to change with each new use). The advantage: the antiviral and soothing power of essential oils. 15 ml bottle, 9,70 €.

- Acura of jeCare. A Nice CHU tested gel based on oxidized glycerol triesters (GGOs) of essential fatty acids, a plant substance that "prevents water loss and inhibits inflammation". In short it stops the development of the button and facilitates healing. It is applied on the cold sore (up to 5 times a day) and until it disappears. Tube of 3 g, 8 €.