The best tips for avoiding cold sores and treating flare-ups

If you've ever been inconvenienced by a cold sore, you can't be rid of it soon enough.Discover the best treatment options to help contain the painful outbreak.

What causes cold sores?

Cold sores are caused by a virus called herpes simplex type 1. Once you’ve been infected, it will remain in your system for the rest of your life. The virus can be dormant and for some it will never manifest or erupt into sores. Unfortunately, others will experience regular flare-ups, which are usually triggered by stress or fatigue. Sun exposure can also cause a cold sore to appear.

The virus is transmitted through saliva and can be contracted simply by touching an infected object, such as a glass. Furthermore, genital herpes (simplex type 2) can cause cold sores, and vice versa, by oral to genital sexual contact.

The opportunity to catch and treat a cold sore before it erupts is a small window of time: usually just a couple of hours after you feel the first tingling or burning sensation. You’ll need to act quickly, so remember to always keep medicine on hand. While there is no cure for the virus, there are ways to reduce the severity and duration of cold sores. Here’s a rundown of what you can do:

• Apply medicated cream or ointment at the first sign of symptoms, ideally before the sore has become apparent. Medicated topical agents are sold in pharmacies and supermarkets.
• Avoid touching the sore.
• Apply ice to relieve pain and inflammation.
• Keeping your lips moisturized will help reduce pain and discomfort.
• If you have frequent flare-ups (several times a year), your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication to suppress the symptoms. Taken as directed. These drugs are proven to significantly reduce the frequency and lifespan of blisters and bumps.

There is no cure or vaccine to completely prevent a cold sore. However medical studies show that current topical creams and prescription drugs decrease the duration of flare-ups by a few days.

• Protect your lips with sunscreen.
• Wash your hands frequently throughout the day.
• Avoid contact with people who have a cold sore.
• Strengthen your immune system. Eat well, get enough sleep and exercise. A healthy immune system is more resistant to all viruses, including herpes.

Left alone, cold sores will run their course and disappear in seven-to-10 days. Consult a doctor if a cold sore persists longer than two weeks and is accompanied by fever and fatigue.

The good news is that the number of cold sore outbreaks tends to decrease with age. They become less intense and heal faster.