What can be done to prevent cold sores?

While you can’t completely eliminate the virus, you can reduce the likelihood of cold sore outbreaks by taking preventative measures.

Good hygiene

Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after touching your cold sore to avoid spreading the virus.

Take extra care not to touch your eyes as this could lead to an eye infection.
It’s also important to avoid oral sex during an outbreak, as this could lead to genital herpes. Refrain from kissing and sharing items like straws, glasses, and utensils while symptomatic.

Once the cold sore heals, sanitise your personal items like your towels, duvet covers, bedding, toothbrush, makeup brushes and any other items you used during the outbreak.

Also, keep your lips hydrated and moisturised as this can help prevent cold sores. Chapped lips are more prone to outbreaks.

Diet

Certain foods can prevent a flare-up. Foods high in lysine, for example (an essential amino acid), can reduce the risk of an outbreak. It inhibits viral replication by blocking arginine (another amino acid that helps viruses multiply).

Some foods with high lysine content include:

• Meats like beef and poultry
• Dairy products like cheese and milk
• Eggs
• Some fish, like cod and sardines
• Soy foods, like tofu

On the flip side, try to avoid foods high in arginine, which promotes viral replication. This can be a bit tricky, though, as some foods high in lysine are also high in arginine. Focus on foods that have a high lysine-to-arginine ratio, such as dairy products, certain fish, and fruits like mango and apricots. Avoid foods that have more arginine than lysine, like chocolate, seeds and nuts.

Taking vitamin C and D supplements might also help, as they boost the immune system and have antiviral properties. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water is also important.

Reducing stress

Stress increases the risk of an outbreak because it releases hormones that weaken your immune system, making it easier for the virus to reactivate. Techniques like meditation, yoga, and relaxation exercises can help reduce stress, lowering your risk of a cold sore outbreak.

Sun protection

Wearing SPF can help reduce the risk of recurrences, especially if sunlight is your trigger. Make sure to apply it frequently throughout the day, even during the colder months. Don’t forget to apply it on your lips – using a lip balm with SPF can make it easier to protect them.

For extra protection, wear a wide-brimmed hat to shade your face from the sun.

Antiviral medication

For herpes, you can get antiviral medication available as tablets or cream with different active ingredients. Most work in the same way, by stopping the virus from replicating.

You don’t always need treatment, as most cold sores heal on their own within a few weeks. But using medication can speed up the healing process and prevent future outbreaks if taken daily. The most common antivirals for herpes include Acyclovir, Valacyclovir and Famciclovir.