Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are a very common viral infection. These blisters are actually clusters of blisters filled with fluid and are found on or around your lips. Cold sores can be transmitted easily through close contact, typically kissing. The virus that usually causes these is herpes simplex virus type 1 and less commonly herpes simplex virus type 2.
Both of these viruses affect the mouth and genitals. They can be spread through oral sex, even if the blisters aren’t visible. There is no cure currently for cold sores, but there are treatments that can help them heal more quickly and ways to help prevent them in the first place:

1. Apply lip balm
Because the lips and mouth are the locations where cold sores manifest, and sun is a direct cause of their outbreaks, applying UV protective lip balm is essential. The best way to deal with cold sores is to prevent them before they occur. They can cause scabbing and typically take around 10 days to clear. Applying protective balm and keeping the area moist where cold sores occur is one of the best ways for prevention.

2. Don’t share toothbrushes or personal items
Let’s be honest here, cold sores or not. Sharing personal items like toothbrushes sounds like a terrible idea. It is understood that a parent may need to share their toothbrush, food, utensils, cups, and toys. Keep in mind, the virus can be transmitted even when no cold sore symptoms are present.

3. Avoid stress
Avoiding stress might seem like a simple solution, but this is much easier said than done. Eliminating or reducing stress in your life benefits your overall health, not just cold sores. Stress suppresses your immune system, thus making it easier for cold sores to develop. Also, most people under stress don’t eat properly so the lack of nutrients in your body also causes a weaker immune system. Eating healthy, getting regular exercise, and sleeping are essential for stress relief. Again, they will also help your overall mental and physical health.

4. Use sunscreen
Using sunscreen regularly on your face is very important in the prevention of cold sores. This is especially true when you plan to be in the sun more than usual. If you are going to the beach or will be tanning by the pool, it is very important to protect your skin, including the skin on your face. Even if you aren’t part of the 90% of people who carry the virus that causes cold sores. The FDA recommends a minimum of SPF 15 even on overcast days.

5. OTC viral medications
Although a cure for the viruses that cause cold sores does not exist, there are medications you can use when you start feeling symptoms coming on. Abreva is an option for this. The sooner you notice signs of a cold sore coming and apply a medication like this the sooner you will be able to clear it up. If used correctly, it can clear a cold sore in around two and a half days.

Emuaid is another topical medication used for cold sores. It is an antibacterial and antifungal treatment made from natural ingredients that calm inflammation and cool irritation. Both Abreva and Emuaid are over the counter options that have been shown very effective, especially if applied early when symptoms first start showing.