Parkridge East Hospital will celebrate the excitement of birth and new beginnings with an exclusive “Mommy-to-Bee” event for expecting mothers on Saturday, November 8. This morning of educational classes...

Reducing Your Risk of Cold Sores (Herpes Simplex Type 1)

The best way to reduce your risk of cold sore is to avoid an infection with herpes simplex virus (HSV). Unfortunately, most people are infected by the virus when they are children. Once you have HSV, it cannot be cured. You can lower the risk of recurrent cold sores by changing some lifestyle activities.

Here are some tips to reduce your risk of getting an HSV infection or having recurrent outbreaks of cold sores:

Avoid exposure to the virus that causes cold sores.

Avoid excessive exposure to the sun.

Reduce physical and emotional stress.

Practice good hygiene habits.

Get adequate sleep and eat a healthful diet.

HSV can be spread by close contact with someone who has a cold sore. It can also spread by their sharing personal items such as towels, razors, or eating utensils. Do not kiss, have close contact with, or share personal items with someone who has an active cold sore. This also applies with someone who thinks they are about to have a cold sore. HSV can also spread to the genital area by having oral sex. Do not let a partner with an active cold sore perform oral sex on you.

Exposure to sunlight is known to cause outbreaks of cold sores. It is impossible to avoid all sun exposure but you can reduce the sun's effect. Use sunscreen on your lips and skin. Also, whenever you go outside in sunny weather, wear a large-brimmed hat. This will help to protect your face from the ultraviolet rays.

Physical and emotional stress may reduce the body’s ability to fight HSV. Stress can also trigger an outbreak of cold sores.

Exercise can help to reduce emotional stress. However, excessive exercise can weaken the body.
Relaxation techniques
, such as
meditation
and deep breathing, can help reduce emotional stress.

Good hygiene can prevent the spread of cold sores. It may also help to reduce the length and severity of the outbreaks. During an outbreak:

Avoid touching the sores, especially avoid contact with any open cuts on your skin.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.