Cold sores are ugly, red and chapped blisters that appear around the mouth as a result of the herpes simplex virus type 1 infection. They can be unsightly, hard to cover and difficult to get rid of, so one of the most important parts of fighting cold sores includes prevention. When you're prone to cold sores, you should know how to avoid the triggers and protect your mouth to stop cold sores from developing in the first place.
Step 1
Separate your belongings, especially those that will touch your mouth, from those of someone who has a cold sore or the herpes virus in your home. Sharing utensils, napkins, towels and dinnerware like plates and glasses could transfer the virus more easily, notes KidsHealth.org, a division of the Nemours Foundation.
Step 2
Apply a good-quality sunscreen around and on your mouth before you expose yourself to the sun. The sun can exacerbate cold sore symptoms, according to Medline Plus' Patient Education Institute. Look for sunblock made especially for lips and mouth, which can be found in the lip balm section of your drugstore. Using a lip balm on a daily basis helps to keep the lips moisturized and may also help stop a cold sore from developing.
Step 3
Watch for triggers that seem to bother your cold sore symptoms. For instance, MayoClinic.com notes the cold or flu can cause a cold sore outbreak. By taking care of your body, washing your hands throughout the day, getting enough sleep and avoiding those who are sick, you can limit the spread of the illness to prevent cold sores. Know your triggers and treat the triggers to stop the cold sores.
Step 4
Treat lip injuries with antibiotic ointment as soon as they developed. Cracked, bleeding or chapped lips are more susceptible to developing cold sores. Look for an over-the-counter ointment containing lysine, which can help heal cold sore outbreaks. Applying an ointment daily can help you see an improvement in the condition and frequency of your cold sores.
Step 5
Schedule an appointment with your doctor if you have recurring cold sores, or a cold sore that doesn't seem to go away. He can prescribe ointments or oral medications containing steroids to help treat your constant outbreaks. He can also give you further advice on how to prevent and treat your cold sore outbreaks as part of a herpes treatment plan.
Things You'll Need
- Sunblock
- Lip balm
