How to Avoid Getting Cold Sores

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex type I virus, and once you are infected with it, the virus stays with you forever. Though the virus stays dormant most of the time, certain things can cause an outbreak.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Multivitamins
• Sunscreen
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin C

1. Stay out of the sun, or at least limit exposure. Overexposure to the sun can trigger outbreaks.

2. Wear sunscreen if you are out in the sun.

3. Drink alcohol in moderation.

4. Stay out of the wind as much as possible.

5. Protect your immune system. Other viruses, such as the flu, can trigger outbreaks.

6. Make sure to have a healthy diet with plenty of fresh, unprocessed foods.

7. Take a good, high-potency multivitamin.

8. Eat foods high in vitamin C or take a supplement of at least 1,000mg daily.

9. Keep in shape, get enough sleep, do things you enjoy and drink lots of fluids.

10. Reduce consumption of processed foods, cola drinks, sugar and caffeine, which may increase the chance of an outbreak.

11. Don't share a drinking glass, food utensils or a toothbrush with someone who has a cold sore.

12. Avoid intimate contact such as kissing someone on the lips when that person has a cold sore.

Tips & Warnings

• Herpes is contagious and your best bet is to avoid close contact with a person who has an outbreak.
• If you have any questions or concerns, contact a physician or other health care professional before engaging in any activity related to health and diet. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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[lipexpert20]

on 7/27/2009 If i do get one, i dont like to put anything on it. I feel like when you put cream on it it makes the affected area larger. I dont touch it at all, i dont want to spread the cells around, I keep it dry and try to blow air over it, but never lick or touch it. I put an ice pack but not an ice cube because the liquid running down could spread it. I try to stay inside relax and get plenty of sleep! Also be careful when you shower, dont get it wet. And keep your shower quick the steam doesnt seem to help. None of the creams work well in my opinion. I prefer to keep it dry(although some are more painful and you cant help it)

[lipexpert20]

on 7/27/2009 PLEASE READ IM AN EXPERT
I was plagued by cold sores from chidhood. Sometimes violent herpetic outbreaks. Through research and trial and error i have almost completely eliminated them. Sunlight is huge, whenever im gonna be outside i put sunblock 70 directly on my lip. Foods are huge many have talked about citric acid thats huge too, but also TOMATO products..i get pizza with no sauce! Sunblock and check the labels and youll be great. I dont take any valtrex(i used to ive taken them all). I get maybe 1 or 2 outbreaks a year, since i figured out the sunblock i havent had a violent outbreak at all(in 5 years). They were painful and embarrassing, im almost completely rid of them, only occasional 1-2 per year and they are mild!!! Good luck

[alexandriaR]

on 1/14/2008 Research Licorice and BHT. Licorice Root may be too much for some people (GA Extract) is what you want from it anyway. BHT is a food preservative. LicoriceBHT.com has a compilation of Science Journal America and other articles. Not miracle cream or cover-up is ever going to end the cycle. (These two normal items kill the dormant cells) If your putting earwax on anything your ready to stop now ...

[pcedpr]

on 9/4/2007 Lysine is really great. I take at least 1,000mgs daily to prevent outbreaks for both herpes simplex types I & II. Also taking care of what you eat is very important. You can combime with antioxitants like vitamin C to boost your inmmune system. Avoid chocolate, coffee, peanuts and other nuts, seeds, and cereal grains. These may increase outbreaks by promotong arginine. You can increase the comsumption of Lysine rich foods like broccoli, cheese, plain yogurt, milk... Please check: http://www.herpes.com/Nutrition.shtml

[myfavo]

on 5/24/2007 Excellent tips! its important to make sure you avoid certain things that can cause an outbreak. Go to http://ezinearticles.com/?Cold-Sore-Cure&id=522756 for more tips and info about cold sore cure.