Dear Alice,
I get cold sores around my mouth and nose all the time; I have since I
can remember. I know that they can be caused by both physical
illness and mental stress. Is there any way to reduce the frequency
with which I get them, i.e., diet? Please help me, I feel
like a leper.
Yours truly,
Jen
Dear Jen,
Most cold sores are a result of the herpes simplex virus that some
people harbor, which crops up as an outbreak or "episode" from time
to time, usually from stress and many times from too much sun.
The healthier we keep ourselves, including staying generally healthy,
eating well, getting enough sleep, and managing the stress in life,
the stronger our immune systems, and the less likely we are to have
a herpes episode.
Some people find that keeping their lips moisturized in the winter,
covered with sunscreen in the summer, and protected from the wind,
seems to decrease the number of outbreaks. Seeing a nutritionist is
a way to make sure you are eating a well-balanced diet. Healthy
food may strengthen the immune system creating a positive result.
When you say you get cold sores all the time, Alice is unclear about
the frequency and the severity of your episodes. Have you been to a
doctor about them? What assistance have you gotten so far?
Depending upon how often you get cold sores, you might consider
calling x4-2284, then pressing 2 to make an appointment with a
provider at Health Services. You can be examined and can discuss
possible treatment for your cold sores, including any new
medications which might be beneficial to you. Some people find that
acyclovir ointment speeds the healing process when they apply it to
their lips, 5-6 times a day, when they feel a cold sore coming. In
severe cases, oral acyclovir may be prescribed to be taken daily. For
more information on new treatments, read New herpes drugs, a
question Alice recently answered.
You also might call the STD (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) Hotline,
(800) 227-8922, which has information about the many kinds of
herpes. You also may read the book Managing Herpes by Charles
Ebel, which was written primarily about Herpes Simplex Virus 2
(genital herpes). It has a lot of good applicable information for
people with cold sores as well.
- Alice
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Cold sores
