When you get a cold sore, it can be a bit scary. You may have heard that it’s caused by a virus called the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Cold sores are triggered when they come into contact with another virus nearby. This can be due to a person with cold sores sharing a drink or food with someone else, or from someone touching your face and then touching another part of your body like your hands, mouth or genitals. A person with cold sores may also pass the virus to another person when they have an outbreak. Cold sores can be painful and unsightly, and can also be a sign of another problem like diabetes. Luckily, there are ways to prevent them from happening again and again – here are some tips for preventing and treating cold sores.
A new pillow can help you sleep better and reduce stress, which can help prevent cold sores. You can also try using an ice pack on your pillow to help soothe your skin. If you have a cold sore, you might want to avoid sleeping on your stomach, as this can make the virus more likely to spread to other parts of your body.
Washing your hands often can help prevent the spread of germs and viruses, including cold sores. It’s best to wash them with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. You can also use hand sanitizer to sanitize doorknobs and other frequently touched objects.
One of the most common ways to spread cold sores is by sharing utensils or food with someone who has them. If you have cold sores, you should avoid sharing utensils or food with others, and be sure to wash your hands after touching them. You can also use a napkin or a paper towel to cover your utensils.
Alcohol can make you more likely to get a cold sore, so it’s best to avoid it if you’re trying to prevent them. You can also avoid hot drinks and foods, like coffee and soup, which can make your cold sores worse.
You should avoid touching your face as much as possible, especially if you have cold sores. You can also use a face mask to help reduce the amount of germs on your hands and face.
Cold sores can be a bit scary, but there are ways to prevent them and treat them if they happen again. You can change your pillow to help you sleep better, wash your hands often, don’t share utensils with people who have cold sores, and don’t touch your face as much. With these tips, you can prevent and treat cold sores so they don’t affect your life so much.