Question: What Triggers Your Cold Sore and How to effectively treat it?

Having a cold sore is not a comfortable experience at all, as aside from the very real pain they cause, they also affect our self-confidence in a way that goes far beyond the superficial. Cold sores, or cankers, can be usually be defined as tiny, fluid filled contusions that are commonly visible around your lip area, but they can occur anywhere on the body. They usually form into groups and once they crack, stinging sores then emanate. 

The sad fact is that there is no catch all cure for cold sores. With that in mind then, it is best to be aware of what the causes of “cankers” are, since not everyone seems to agree on what the exact conditions that will generate cold sores are.
Trigger Points

Fatigue

Our immune system gets easily squeezed out by stress and illness, or just by fatigue in general. Once it hits us, we become more prone to a cold sore surge. In order to beat fatigue, learn to relax, make time for exercise, and try to get more sleep. Keep your immune system at its fighting form by consulting your doctor or pharmacist about the best immune system boosters.

Stress

The moment that stress hits our emotions, other ailments usually follow, and it is one of the canker’s best gateways to penetrating our system. Finding a relaxation method that works for you is key here, whether it be a moderate exercise like outdoor walking or breathing exercises.

Exposure to cold weather

The winter cold can cause the skin to harden and dry up, again creating a potentially perfect base for a cold sore. If you’re planning on travelling to a hot country, it can also be wise to bear in mind that over-amped air conditioning can have the same effect and even cause respiratory problems. Lip balm is a must in these situations.

Harmful UV rays

On the flip side, too much exposure to ultraviolet rays, or UV rays, will also lead to cankers and will damage the skin too. Protect your skin by applying sunscreen which you can purchase from a pharmacy, or invest in a cool beach umbrella.

Pay attention to hormonal cycles

This is very evident in women during the menstrual cycle. The change in hormones can trigger a cold sore surge, along with changes in mood. If you keep track of your cycle, you should be able to figure when an attack is most likely and keep a tube of preventive cold sore cream on hand, just in case.

Open or untreated wounds and cuts

Cold sore or cankers also develop when our lips suffer an injury or trauma. A good pharmaceutical antiseptic lotion or cream will ensure that the affected area is kept germ free and much less likely to suffer infection.

Being sickly

Being prone to fever or flu also has the added downside of leaving us open to other ailments while our immune system fights the virus. In the event that you feel like you are going to be hit with a fever or flu, consult your doctor to get the best and safest treatment, and take time to rest and double your fluid intake. 


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John Keane is a full time pharmacist and owner of Keanes Pharmacy. Why not discuss this topic confidentially with John anytime in person at Keanes Pharmacy, Austin Friars or 0449342884 ©Keanes Pharmacy