Having a bad cold is quite tiring, the runny nose, the tiredness and the associated crankiness can make it one of the worst things to deal with. Add to this the presence of cold sores on the lips and you have quite a painful situation to deal with. Cold sores on lips are quite unpleasant, you can find it quite irritating not to mention unseemly. You need to be very careful to maintain personal hygiene and to never share your lipstick, liner or any other articles used to clean yourself with. Also wash your hands frequently as it can be quite contagious.

Cold sores are caused by the herpes virus. It is not dangerous or fatal but it is distinctly uncomfortable and painful. Understanding what causes it is important to treating it effectively. A number of factors can lead to an increase of cold sores, this includes stress, too much sunlight or too much cold weather as well. You should also understand that it could be spread from sharing someone’s make up, some people tend to be carriers but do not have it. So be very careful never to share someone’s lipstick or liner if you stay in a hostel or shared accommodation with friends. Make sure you stay relaxed if you do have cold sores, a lot of stress and anxiety can also lead to flaring up of the symptoms, practice things that relax you, such as meditation, yoga, breathing exercises in order to tackle the condition.

Woman pulling hair and screaming at camera, portrait

Woman pulling hair and screaming at camera, portrait

There aren’t specific tests or methods to identify or pinpoint cold sores, a doctor can easily recognise it without extensive tests and can prescribe the necessary medication and treatment for it. Make sure you use something to soothe the inflammation and blisters, like peppermint oil, which also has a soothing cooling effect on the blisters. Do not pick at the blisters or touch them frequently and be sure to always wash your hands with soap to avoid spreading it to other regions. Avoid kissing people especially your child, if you have it as children can contract it easily and it can be quite difficult and painful for them.

The herpes simplex virus is the main causative agent in cold sores and it can be either type 1 or type 2 virus that causes it. Itchiness and self consciousness are an added burden when having cold sores, and often that which occurs on the face region is caused by type 1 virus rather than type 2. If you have repeated occurrences it is more likely that you have type 1. Direct skin contact with the affected region is the most common way through which these cold sores are transmitted. Painkillers like ibuprofen, paracetamol etc do help with pain management and the symptoms somewhat