A cold sore outbreak is typically heralded by an itchy, burning feeling, a small bump or blister, and (if you’ve had cold sores before) the knowledge that you’re going to have an ugly cold sore for several days. What causes a cold sore outbreak? Is there a way to avoid a cold sore outbreak?
A cold sore outbreak is caused by a strain of the Herpes Virus, arguably one of the most common viruses in the world. The biggest problem is that once you have the virus, you have it for life. You can treat a cold sore outbreak and keep the symptoms from becoming too bad, but you can’t cure the virus.
So if a cold sore outbreak is caused by a virus, is there any way to avoid a cold sore? Remember that the virus is always present in your body, though it tends to be dormant most of the time. A cold sore outbreak occurs when your body isn’t able to fight off the virus, for whatever reason. It might be that you’re tired, run down or otherwise susceptible when the virus manifests itself in a cold sore outbreak. So taking care of yourself will help you keep the virus under control.
Another important thing to remember is that the virus is highly contagious. Whether you already have the virus or not, touching an area that has a cold sore outbreak can cause you to also have a cold sore. Avoid direct contact with the infected area of anyone who is showing the signs of a cold sore outbreak. This includes kissing, but also extends to sharing silverware and drinks, and otherwise bringing the virus from their mouth to yours.
If you are the one with a cold sore outbreak, remember to pay attention that you don’t unnecessarily expose someone else to your virus. You should also be aware that you can spread the virus from a particular spot on your own face to some other spot. That means that it’s possible for you to touch the cold sore, then touch another area of your own face, and have a new cold sore outbreak.
You should remember to start treating a cold sore outbreak as soon as you see or feel the symptoms. Early and continuous treatment will help you reduce the severity and the length of time the cold sore outbreak is evident.