Cold Sore Prevention

Cold Sore Prevention

A cold sore is a common viral infection that affects millions of people in the UK. Most commonly found around the lip area, cold sore outbreaks causse small fluid filled blisters that are often grouped together. 

Cold Sore Management

Often irritating & painful, a cold sore is also contagious so should be treated with care when a cold sore outbreak occurs. Some people often find that a cold sore can be triggered by certain things such as sunshine or illness but this is unique to individual people. 

It is estmated that 90% of adults worldwide, even those who have never experienced any symptoms of an infection, test positive for the virus that causes a cold sore outbreak.

After the first cold sore outbreak, your body should usually create a form of antibody which reduces the chances of future outbreaks, but everyone reacts differently to this virus, and there is currently no definitive cure.

Symptoms of a Cold Sore

There a several stages of a cold sore outbreak that occur on the skin. These include:

• A tingling or itchy feeling on the skin. 

• Fluid filled blisters start to appear on the affected area, usually around the lips or face.

• The blisters then burst and tend to crust over into a scab.

These are the most common symptoms of a cold sore, however it can vary depending on if this is your first cold sore outbreak or if you have been affected previously.

If you are experiencing your first cold sore outbreak, it can also be common to be affected by the following symptoms:

• Fevers

• Headaches

• Muscle pain

• Sore throats

Cold Sore Prevention Advice

Cold sores usually tend to clear up naturally within 8-10 days. Unfortunately there is no definitve cure for cold sore outbreaks, however there are a number of ways you can prevent and treat a cold sore yourself.

Our LipQ range contains natural ingredients that work to prevent and reduce cold sore outbreaks.

If you are experiencing a cold sore, it is important that you do not share anything that has come into contact with the cold sore, including creams, make-up, cutlery, water bottles etc. Avoiding sharing these items will reduce the risk of passing on this contagious cold sore.

It is also recommended that you try not to touch the cold sore apart from when applying cream. The cold sore may be uncomfortable but avoiding contact with it will allow the healing process to speed up.

If you have cold sore that has not started to heal after 10 days, it may be worth visiting your GP who may be able to offer advice or prescriptions to help heal the cold sore.

Shop our range of cold sore management products here

Below are some Cold Sore Frequently Asked Questions:

What is a Cold Sore?

How to Treat a Cold Sore

What to do if you have a Cold Sore

What Causes Cold Sore on Lips?

How to Prevent Cold Sores