A cold sore is an inflamed blister near the mouth. It is caused by the herpes simplex virus. Cold sores can be a nuisance for you to deal with. There is cold sore medicine for kids and adults. However, it is best for you to do everything that you can to avoid getting one in the first place. You can take the following steps to prevent a cold sore:

1. Don’t share personal items
Cold sores can easily spread when you share personal items. That is why you don’t want to share toothbrushes or any personal items with anyone. It is also a good idea for you to throw out your toothbrush if you have recently gotten over a cold sore.

2. Lip balm
Lip balm can help you get over a cold sore. It is best for you to use a cold sore lip balm that has menthol in it. Not only will this lip balm help you heal faster, but it can also ease the discomfort that you experience.

3. Avoid stress
Stress is one of the main things that can trigger a cold sore. This is not something that you will be able to avoid. However, it is important for you to get it under control. There are several things that you can do in order to manage your stress. For example, you need to assess what you have on your plate. If you have too much, then it is a good idea for you to start taking things off of it. You will also need to exercise and take care of your overall health.

4. OTC viral medications
It is best for you to start using OTC viral medications as soon as you feel a cold sore coming. Abreva and Emuaid can prevent your cold sore from getting worse. They can also shorten the duration that you have a cold sore. Additionally, cold sore prevention (i.e., Wisp) can ease the irritation that you are experiencing.

5. Sunscreen
It is important for you to wear sunscreen every day. Even if the weather outside is cloudy, it is still a good idea to wear sunscreen. There are two main ways that wearing sunscreen can help with cold sores. If your cold sore is healing, then you don’t want to further irritate it. Sunscreen can prevent the sun from irritating your skin. The sunscreen can also help prevent outbreaks in the future if you wear it on a daily basis. Choose a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30.

If you find yourself frequently getting cold sores, then it is a good idea for you to consult with a medical professional. Wisp providers can assess your cold sores and offer you the best treatment possible. They will also be able to prevent you from getting one in the first place.