Why Cold Sores Keep Coming Back and What to Do About It

Cold sores are basically caused by the herpes virus. Once you are infected with cold sores, there is a high chance that the nerve cells get reactivated time and again, leading to frequent cold sore outbreaks. You should know the potential reasons that can trigger cold sore outbreaks now and again. For instance, a weakened immune system can cause fever, which in turn can trigger cold sores.

Read on to learn more about why your cold sores keep coming back and what you can potentially do about them.

What Causes Recurring Cold Sores

Once an individual is infected with the virus, the specific virus becomes dormant in specific nerve cells, which can get reactivated and cause recurring cold sores. Among the various triggering factors, you will find flu, fever, and other illnesses that might affect the immune system and weaken it to the point of triggering cold sores time and again.

It’s important to mention here that your immune system can be potentially triggered by a variety of factors that include but aren’t limited to stress, hormonal changes, and pregnancy. Also, if you expose the affected area of your skin to the sun, it can trigger outbreaks.

What to Do About Recurring Cold Sores

Now that you know the potential reasons for recurring cold sores, let us explore some of the things that you can do to control recurring cold sores. 

Use A Topical Gel with Lysine

You can also treat your cold sore with a topical gel, which is quite effective for cold sore treatment, as it comprises lysine. People with cold sores who have used lysine gel have reported that their infections healed in no more than 5 days, which is why this gel is deemed quite effective in treating cold sore lesions.

The lysine supplement has also proven to be effective in suppressing the recurrence of the virus that causes cold sores. Lysine is also effective for increasing the number of new cells in the affected areas, which provides structure to the skin and the much-needed support to speed up the healing process.

Apply Sun Protection

Exposing the affected skin to the sun can also cause recurring cold sores, which is why we recommend using a lip balm with sunscreen before stepping outdoors. You might as well use a sunblock with the right SPF level to avoid sun damage. If you plan a beach day, make sure to wear a hat that protects your entire face from the sun. 

Manage Your Stress

Unbeknownst to many people, stress is the main cause of many illnesses, including a weakened immune system. As we mentioned before, a weakened immune system is one of the primary triggers for recurring cold sores. With that said, find healthy ways to manage your stress, such as walking, running, exercising, meditation, yoga, spending time with friends, or spending time in nature.

If you have chronic stress, you might want to see a therapist who can help you understand various stress-coping mechanisms that you can integrate into your everyday life. Journaling is also quite effective for curbing your stress level and regaining perspective.