Cold Sore Causes and Remedies That Work
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Cold sores…they’re not awesome. They are painful, super contagious, and so not cute that sometimes when one pops up, I try to strategize a way to stay indoors (and under covers) until it passes. And, lucky for me, I get them all of the damn time! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve done a google search for “Cold Sore Causes and Remedies.” They’ve interrupted my prom, graduation, picture days, countless auditions, first meetings, dates, and the list goes on. The good news is that— thanks to my lifelong cold sore-dilemma— I’ve got lots of remedies and lots of information for you.
What a Cold Sore Is and IS NOT:
- Let’s get a couple of things out of the way: First of all, they’re normal. Ninety percent of the population will get a cold sore at some point in their lives. Second, they are caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus -1 and that is NOT the same as genital herpes, HSV-2. So, relax!
- They start off as a tingling sensation and progress to a painful, sometimes swollen, blister or group of blisters and end up dry and scabbed. It takes about 7-10 days for them to heal. If your cold sore is hanging strong after two weeks, go see the doctor.
- While it is most common for these sores to break out on the mouth, many people get them in other places on the body… literally anywhere, from your foot to your head. I know it is a very fun thought.
- Cold sores are extremely contagious. Do not kiss, engage in oral sex, or share drinks and utensils. But, further, wash your hands A LOT during an outbreak because it’s possible to spread the infection from one part of your body to another. If you touch your cold sore, be careful not to touch your eyes or your genitals until your hands are thoroughly washed.
Cold Sore Causes:
- Deficient immune system: If you are like me and have been getting comically frequent outbreaks since you are two years old then it’s time for you to get your immune system checked. I have an awesome disorder called Common Variable Immune Deficiency (CVID) where my body is lacking in the protein that detects antibodies, making it hard to find and fight the common virus and bacteria. If you or your child have frequent outbreaks, I recommend getting your immunoglobulins tested. Another trigger is a simple cold or flu—basically anything that leaves the immune system low.
- Stress: Yup, I know, always with the stress. It’s true, though— stress affects your immune system therefore making you more susceptible to outbreaks.
- Fatigue: Overworking yourself and running your sweet bod into the ground will absolutely leave you extra susceptible. So, take care of yourself for vanity’s sake!
- Sun/weather: Many people report the sun being a massive trigger for cold sores. Wear hats and lip SPF. For me, it’s extreme cold weather that gets me, so be sure to where a scarf around your sweet lips.
- Dryness: Sometimes when I’m in really dry climates and my lips are relentlessly chapped, it can trigger one. I use lots of petroleum-free jelly like Waxelene or ultra-moisturizing shea butter
- Arginine:Arginine is an amino acid that is widely recognized to trigger the HSV-1 virus. Foods that contain high amounts of Arginine include pork, chocolate, nuts such as almonds and peanuts, sesame and sunflower seeds, oat, and wheat.
- Hormones: Besides my immune system, this is my biggest trigger. If I get an outbreak, it is always right before my period. If you’re experiencing excessive outbreaks and your immune system is up-to-par, it might be useful to get hormone testing done.
Cold Sore Remedies:
Ah, yes, this is the best part—the solution! Listed in order of most effective to not-yet-tried:
- Acyclovir/ Valtrex prescription: OK, I know that I flaunt the natural life, but sometimes you gotta get some prescription medicine, and this is one of those times. Acyclovir changed my life. I was in a horrible cycle where I’d get a fat cold sore and, as soon as it healed, a new one would pop up. It was a whack-a-mole game, C R A Z Y making. My stress was out of control— I was new to LA, broke, auditioning, and newly single. Add to that stress the constant fear of another cold sore keeping me from booking a job or getting a second date and you have a cold sore’s dream environment. I finally saw a doctor willing to write me a script and now I don’t leave the house without them. If you take one or two at the very start of your cold sore, you will stop it in its tracks. If taken quickly after the onset, the chances of you dramatically reducing the length of outbreak ( and the pain!) is high. Ask any doctor for a prescription, and keep them handy. *I have noticed zero negative impact of taking these anti-virals, but always get your doc’s opinion*
- L-Lysine is one of the most recommended supplements for cold sores… for good reason. L-lysine counteracts arginine, it’s a powerful anti-viral and significantly reduced the number of outbreaks I had once I started taking it. I’d recommend taking 1,000 mg a day. You can increase this in the middle of an outbreak.
- Rest and De-stress: Seriously, guys. I have found cold sores to be a reminder to slow way down. This is critical. If you are having frequent outbreaks then your body is letting you know that something is off balance. Check in with your sleeping patterns, stress levels, exercise and diet. And, get busy doing the unthinkable: Resting.
- Diet: Most importantly, lower caffeine, sugar and alcohol intake.
- Ice, Ice Baby: I have found that ice is extremely effective in reducing swelling, pain and duration of a cold sore. Along with Acyclovir and L-lysine, ice is one of my immediate go-tos
- Moisturize: In order to reduce pain, inflammation and duration keep the area healing with products like Waxelene or shea butter. Linked above.
- Build that immune system!: Look, cold sore outbreaks are directly related to your immune system. So, do all of the things you need to do to build that up. I suggest supplementing with Vitamin C, Zinc and Echinecea (unless you are autoimmune). I also suggest healing your gut (where 90% of your immune system resides) by carefully choosing what foods you eat and when.
- Anti-viral all the way: Cold sores are a virus, so you really want to up your consumption of anti-viral foods and herbs during outbreaks and as a preventative. L-lysine and acyclovir are amazing anti-virals but there are other ways to get them in there. Start by eating a ton of blueberries and sipping on Pau D’arco tea
- Bergamot: I haven’t had any mind-blowing experiences with this one, but I still do it. Bergamot is anti-bacterial and has antibiotic properties. Put an earl grey tea bag in hot water then pull it out and stick it on your lip OR get some bergamot essential oil and dab it on the sore.
- Lemon Balm: I’m told that lemon balm is a cold sore killer, but I haven’t tried it. I do sip the tea, but there’s been a study that proved the effectiveness of putting lemon balm extract cream directly on a cold sore. You can also do this with lemon balm essential oil.
One Other Very Important Note:
As you can tell, cold sores have been an unwelcome guest at my table more times than I can count. Knowing cold sore causes and remedies will only get you so far. You can take all of these preventative measures, barricade the door and put a “go away” sign up and still end up staring into the face of this obnoxious little shit. So, what’s the trick? There are two. One: Stop letting the obnoxious little shit ruin your evening. At the onset of a cold sore, I’ve really struggled with feeling unattractive and wanting to hide. Somehow, this little blister on my lip quickly usurps my confident thinking and leaves me postponing my happiness to the future—in ten days I’ll feel better and pumped about life again. Life’s too short, so take the precautions and decide that you’ll enjoy your days with or without a cold sore. Two: Change your perspective. Cold sores are awesome self-care reminders. When they arrive, they are carrying you a message that you’re not resting enough or eating the wrong food or too damn stressed. So, thank the little bastard. It’s doing you a favor. Now, go get busy loving yourself.
With Fun + Love,
Jackie