Cold sores are small blisters that form on the lips. They are spread by kissing or skin to skin contact. Cold sores, or fever blisters, are caused by the herpes simplex 1 and 2 viruses. In addition to forming on the lips, they can form on the cheek or nose. The virus can be transmitted through sharing eating utensils, towels and cosmetics as well.
It is important to avoid physical contact with people that have compromised immune systems as the spread of the virus may make them sick. Though cold sores are contagious, there are treatments and tips to prevent and eradicate them:

1. Use sunscreen
Another cause of a cold sore outbreak is too much sun. The UV rays from the sun damage your skin and can trigger cold sores. Wearing sunscreen is vital to protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun. There are lip products that contain sunscreen for targeted protection as well.

2. Apply lip balm
Dry cracked lips can be a trigger for cold sores. To avoid this, use a medicated lip balm. Lysine is a common way to treat cold sores and some lip balms contain this specifically to treat them. Blistex Medicated Lip Balm, and Herpecin L are two good options for the treatment and prevention of sores.

3. Avoid stress
This may seem easier said than done in today’s fast-paced and ever-changing environment, but there are ways to calm down and get centered to minimize the effects of stress. Stress triggers cold sores because mental stress takes a toll on the immune system allowing the virus to multiply, resulting in an outbreak. Some ways to mitigate the taxing effects of stress on the immune system are meditation, exercise, and managing things that contribute to stress. Stressors such as drinking alcohol, drinking too much caffeine, and high sugar foods can make it harder for the body to fight off an outbreak.

4. Don’t share toothbrushes or personal items
Since the virus spreads through contact, sharing a toothbrush, lip products, towels and other personal care items that could come in contact with the sore should be avoided especially during an outbreak. However, it is important not to share personal items even when there are no sores because the virus that causes cold sores is transmittable whether sores are present or not.

5. OTC viral medications
When an outbreak occurs, it is important to take the correct precautions so the sores can go away faster. Using OTC medications like Abreva and Emuaid can reduce the time it takes for the sores to heal. Adults are not the only ones to get these sores, and the first time a child has an outbreak could make them sick. Cold Sores Begone is a cold sore medicine for kids with natural ingredients. Cold sore prevention Wisp can help get cold sore prescriptions discreetly delivered. Managing these outbreaks can be easy if you have the right tools.