Cold Sore Prevention

You can take steps to guard against cold sores, to prevent spreading them to other parts of your body or to avoid passing them along to another person.  Cold sore prevention involves the following:  

Avoid kissing and skin contact with people when blisters are present:  The virus spreads easily as long as there are moist secretions from the blisters.  

Avoid sharing items:  Utensils, towels, lip balm and other items can spread the virus when blisters are present.  

Keep hands clean:  Wash hands carefully before touching another person when you have a cold sore.  

Be careful about touching other parts of your body:  Your eyes and genital area may be particularly susceptible to spread of the virus.  

Avoid triggers:  If possible, avoid or prevent conditions that stress your body, such as getting a cold or the flu, not getting enough sleep, or staying in the sun for long periods of time without applying sunblock.  

Use sunblock:  Apply sunblock to your lips and face before prolonged exposure to the sun, during both winter and summer.  

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309