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 youve
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.
(Its 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.
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