How have I suddenly got a cold sore?

[PurplePrickley]

Been with my husband for many years, since we were kids. He’s always suffered from cold sores but I’ve never had one myself. Until tonight (he doesn’t have one and hasn’t for ages) and I’ve got a huge itchy/ burning one on my lip. How?

The virus can be dormant in your system for years and then flare up

I make sure I throw away any lipstick that I’ve used immediately before a cold sore comes up as I am afraid that the virus can live on them (I have no idea if it can, I just don’t want to take the risk)

It has a very long incubation period

Yep like above cold sores can lie dormant for years before a flare up!

I've suffered all my life and they tend to come when I'm stressed or have a big change in my life. I'm very supprised I have not had one come up recently with falling pregnant, lost my job then lockdown happened!

Yes throw away any lip products and invest in a cream that works for you, it may take a few different creams to find out which works for you.

You can also get clear like plasters to go over them as a protective barrier which you can cover in make up to hide and it also helps stop irritation but only works half the time depending on where it is on your lip.

It's a good idea to track the symptoms you have on the run up to getting one as the sooner you treat them the easier and quicker it takes for them to go!

Thanks can they lie dormant for decades? Just find it odd how it’s popped up now.

Maybe it's because like most of us we are stressed right now due to the current situation so it has just come up. X