Did you know that a staggering 50% of people carry the herpes simplex virus that triggers cold sores? Since the lockdown due to Covid-19, we’ve seen a dramatic surge in both the number of individuals contracting the virus and the frequency of cold sore outbreaks. This surge could be linked to lowered immunity from battling Covid or a spike in various infections and bugs due to reduced exposure during the lockdown.
Experts have observed that post-lockdown, many individuals dove headfirst back into intimate physical connections as they re-entered the dating scene, heightening the risk of contracting the virus. ‘Winter, especially during the festive season, is notorious for cold sore outbreaks, thanks to the chilly weather, seasonal illnesses, and those delightful festive gatherings,’ warns consultant dermatologist Dr Eva Melegh.
While an array of treatments are at your disposal once a cold sore strikes, it’s crucial to remember: time is of the essence. The secret lies in catching it early! If you can identify an emerging cold sore, you may just thwart its development, which is vital during the bustling Christmas season. Dr Eva Melegh has shared invaluable tips on five signs that a cold sore could be lurking around the corner.
Did you know that over 30 million people in the UK are infected with the herpes simplex virus? You can contract it from just a single kiss, and outbreaks can be unpredictable, ranging from once a month to just once a year.
Chapping & cracking
Winter can be merciless on our lips, with biting winds outside and dry heating indoors. This time of year often leads to dry, chapped, or cracked lips. Even the slightest injury to lips that are prone to cold sores can significantly escalate the risk of an outbreak. The skin on the lips is particularly fragile, and once it cracks or chaps, it opens the door to a cold sore.
Tingling & itching
A tingling or itching sensation on your lip can serve as an early warning that a cold sore is on the horizon, typically surfacing about 2-3 days before a small hard lump makes its unwelcome debut. You might also experience painful gums and a metallic taste inside your lips, reminiscent of that annoying feeling after munching on something salty—these are additional signs that a cold sore could be imminent.
Sore throat & feverish
When a cold sore is poised to break out, it signifies that the herpes simplex virus lying dormant in your body is gearing up for action. This can send your body into high alert, resulting in a slight sore throat and mild feverishness, even without any other cold symptoms. These can be crucial warning signs of a cold sore outbreak in just a few days.
Swollen lymph nodes
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck can be a clear indication that your body is battling something, be it a virus or a bacterial infection. These pea-sized lumps behind your ears and a slightly sore neck can be early signals that a cold sore is about to rear its ugly head.
What to do when a cold sore is on the way;
Winter can be brutal on our lips, with low humidity and cold winds draining moisture at an alarming rate. Sun exposure, even in winter, is a common trigger for cold sore outbreaks. To combat this, slathering on a lip balm infused with liquorice extract can help diminish the severity and duration of cold sores, outpacing many traditional treatments, according to a recent study by the Herpes Virus Association. Cold sores can be a nuisance, but mastering how to manage them can change the game.
- At the first hint of a cold sore, consider applying a preventative treatment multiple times a day. We recommend trying Lip Q Liquorice & Melissa Rescue Gel (lipQ.co.uk), which has been shown to help diminish the intensity of outbreaks thanks to its potent anti-viral properties. Use a cotton bud or a clean finger to apply the gel, ensuring to wash your hands afterwards. The 100% Natural Liquorice lip balm is particularly effective against winter sun cold sores. In a trial conducted by the Herpes Viruses Association involving forty participants, this balm reduced the severity and duration of outbreaks for over 73% of those tested, with many reporting less intense outbreaks compared to their usual treatments. Plus, testers found that their outbreaks were, on average, only half as long as normal. The natural ingredients mean that users can comfortably wear the balm without any adverse effects, making it a brilliant preventive measure. The key ingredient, glycyrrhizic acid (GA), targets the genes that keep the virus dormant by interfering with the production of certain proteins that support the infected cells. Research in the US Journal of Clinical Investigation indicates that liquorice can weaken the dormant cold sore virus in the skin. You can find the Liquorice Balm available from LipQ for £9.50 for 30g at www.lipq.co.uk
- Avoid hot water and hot drinks getting in contact with the lips.
- Start drinking a lot of water (if drinking from a bottle, clean the lid after each time you drink from it)
- Stop drinking alcohol.
- Stop using lipsticks.
- Do not exfoliate or scrub the lip area.
- Don't touch the lips.
- Drink tepid Liquorice Tea.
