Hair & Makeup

How Do I Prevent Cold Sores?

How can I prevent a cold sore flare-up before my wedding?

Herpes Simplex (the medical term for a cold sore) is caused by a virus, which continues to live in your body once you’ve been infected, staying dormant until your immune system is compromised. Stress, a viral illness like a cold and sun exposure can cause a major outbreak. While some of these conditions are difficult to avoid, there are measures you can take to limit flare-ups. First, protect yourself from UV rays. ”Wear sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher on your lips and face every day. ”And look for ways to decrease stress before your wedding.” For chronic cases prescription antiviral drugs like Valtrex and Famvir can be taken orally to help suppress the virus, making the occurrence of visible sores less frequent. (It’s recommended that you start treatment at least a month before you walk down the aisle.) If you want to ensure your blisters are a no-show on the big day, check with your physician to see if these drugs are right for you.