Recurring Cold Sores

Some people suffer recurrent cold sore outbreaks. These subsequent infections, which may be occasional or frequent, tend to be milder than first outbreaks. They also last a shorter time, usually a week to 10 days in total.

A recurrence of cold sores may not be related to any known cause, but many people report that their outbreaks usually follow one or more of the following:

• exposure to sunlight
• sunburn
• fever or infection
• mouth injury
• allergy
• menstruation
• emotional stress or fatigue

While you cannot control everything that might cause your cold sores to recur, you may be able to prevent or shorten repeated outbreaks by taking certain precautions:

• Since cold sores frequently follow exposure to bright sunlight, use lip balm with sunscreen regularly. If you still have frequent flare-ups even after using sunscreen, ask your health care provider whether you should take an oral anti-herpes medicine before spending a lot of time at the beach or other sunny place.
• Cold sores usually return in the same location in or around your mouth. At that spot, you may notice reddened skin or feel a burning or tingling sensation. If these warning signs occur, applying a wrapped ice cube or ice pack to the area for 90 minutes may prevent cold sores from erupting.

Left untreated, recurring cold sore blisters usually rupture, scab over, and then dry up in about 10 days. Medical treatment may shorten this course. As soon as the blisters appear, try applying a prescription anti-herpes ointment to help them disappear faster. Covering the blisters with petroleum jelly also may reduce pain and promote healing.