Cold Sore Outbreaks: What to do?

Herpes Simplex Infections are simply cold sores that can be seen mostly on the lips and around the mouth.

Even though the lips are most commonly affected by the virus, outbreaks can also spread to other body parts. This is possible because the herpes simplex virus is fairly contagious.

There are two different herpes simplex viruses. More specifically, there are herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2). HSV-1 is the virus causing cold sore outbreaks. Again, those are mostly around the mouth area, but the virus can also spread to the eyes.

The sores that result from this virus can be quite painful, and at times they may be accompanied by fever, which makes it even more uncomfortable to have.

In order not to spread the virus even further, please keep in mind that the virus can be passed on even when the cold sore is not physically present. Also try to always strengthen your immune system, because it will help against old sores.

This is important, because you might have noticed that cold sore outbreaks often occur when you are particularly stressed or off-balance. This is also a time when the immune system is especially weak.

In terms of treatments, there is no shortage of options. You will be the best person to judge how you want to go about it. Of course, if the duration or the pain is too much for you to handle, consulting a doctor would probably be the best decision.

With that being said, if the outbreaks are rare and you feel okay about them, you might not even want to do anything, but just let them heal naturally.

Should you wish to attack the cold sores, over the counter medication is also available and so are home remedies. Just simply choose what matches your personal needs.