Maybe stupid question about cold sores

[Anonymous]

I've had cold sores for 40 years. Usually one every other year. Last time I got one I remember using this lip gloss about 2 months ago. I used it again this week and the next day got a cold sore.

If I have the virus dormant all the time can reusing lip gloss used during an outbreak cause another outbreak?

[Anonymous]

Maybe? Probably makes sense to toss any lip gloss you use during an outbreak.

[Anonymous]

Best practices are to throw out any cosmetics, balms, etc. used immediately before the outbreak and definitely during, change your toothbrush, and wash any cloth that might've come in contact with the sore (washcloths) on hot with a disinfectant.

You can take valacyclovir at the first symptom of an outbreak (for me, that's the weird burning tingle on my lip) and dramatically shorten the duration or even prevent a sore entirely. I've also noticed that the meds reduce the frequency of my cold sores, as does limiting sugar and stress.

[Anonymous]

Try taking daily l-lysine supplements. It helps prevent them from forming.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Try taking daily l-lysine supplements. It helps prevent them from forming.

This, as well as improving your diet and probiotics and exercise.

Herpes viruses become active due to poor health and stress.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've had cold sores for 40 years. Usually one every other year. Last time I got one I remember using this lip gloss about 2 months ago. I used it again this week and the next day got a cold sore.

If I have the virus dormant all the time can reusing lip gloss used during an outbreak cause another outbreak?

At best herpes virus' can last outside a host for 10 days in optimal conditions. Usually it is just 1-2 days max on most fomites, though a non-medicated moist lip balm could be up to a few days. 2 months, no.

It could be that balm triggers an immune response. Many cosmetics contain allergens and toxins that could do that.