Are you sure they’re cold sores, or are you confusing them with canker sores? Canker sores are not contagious and develop inside the mouth. Cold sores are found outside.
If you are getting cold sores, then yes, you might have herpes, says Dr. Dee Anna Glaser, a dermatologist in St. Louis and spokeswoman for the American Academy of Dermatology. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus, and the lips are a common site for infection. It’s also a very common ailment: About 8 out of 10 people in the U.S. have the cold-sore virus, although not everyone gets sores.
Once you’re infected with HSV, the virus lies dormant in your body. Sun exposure can reactivate the virus. (About one-third of people who get these sores usually get them in the same spot each time.) The best way to protect your health and guard against cold sores is to avoid skin-to-skin contact with someone who has an active one, either in the mouth or the genital areas. And if you’ve got them, here’s what helps:
- Do what you can to reduce stress, since stress can trigger an outbreak.
- Apply a sunscreen that contains zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or avobenzone for UVA and UVB protection, and an SPF of 15 or higher.
- Talk to your doctor. Prescription oral medications such as famciclovir or acyclovir can treat cold sores, but may also be taken daily to prevent them if you get six or more cold sores a year.
- Try taking the supplement lysine or applying an over-the-counter cream, like Abreva.
