Cold sores are the result of the herpes simplex type 1 infection, occurring most often on the lips but also on the nose, chin, fingers or inside the mouth. They are contagious and you will get them the first time from contact with an open lesion on another person. After that, you may have break-outs periodically without exposure.
Causes
Cold sores are not caused by exercise, but they be transferred during exercise, if an open lesion is rubbed against a piece of exercise equipment or towel. Cold sores are most often transferred by direct contact, such as kissing, but the health care providers at MayoClinic.com report that the virus can be transferred by sharing towels, razors or eating utensils. If you work out at a gym take extra precautions during your workout, if you have a cold sore or notice another member with an active lesion.
Prevention
Cold sores have triggers, but exercise isn't one of them. They will occur if you're run down, have the flu or get too much sun, so if you exercise when you're not feeling well it's possible to trigger an attack. Additionally use sunscreen -- including on your lips -- when exercising outdoors to prevent an attack.
Treatment
A cold sore usually lasts two to three weeks, but you can speed up the healing process by leaving the lesion alone and taking an over-the-counter pain medication. Additionally there are topical preparations that can numb the pain of the cold sore.
Warnings
Do not exercise with a cold sore if you have an underlying health problem such as HIV. Do not take aspirin to ease the pain of a cold sore as it can cause Reye's syndrome, a potentially fatal disease linked to aspirin or other salicylate containing medications according to the National Reye's Syndrome Foundation.
