Mask wearing and coldsores

[Bzzzzzbumblebee]

To start this is not an antimask post, I am quite happy wearing it.

I am a teacher so in a mask most of the day (we are teaching in masks at my school). But this week I have gotten a massive cold sore (about 1.5 twenty pence side by side) under my nose, which is fair to say has been quite painful.

I wore compeed plasters over to stop it touching the mask and risk spreading it.

Just wondered if this is entirely coincidental (I do get bad coldsores but this is the worse in a very long time) or if the mask might have contributed? If the mask what can I do to prevent further? Would a medical mask be better?

Any longtime mask wearers + coldsores sufferers able to offer any advice?

I had 2 breakouts in 2 weeks
3 then 4
I got Aciclovir tablets from my GP
They went away

I tried taking the tablets at a prevention dose but they unfortunately made me feel very queasy. Now just keep them and take as soon as I spot an outbreak.

Do you think the mask made them worse?

I used to get them two or three times a year, in winter. I bought a zapper light therapy thing about 6 years ago and it is amazing - haven't had one for years and barely need to use it any more.

I've found out that other countries sell an acyclovir/cortisone combination cream. The cortisone is said to reduce the frequency of attacks in some research. I've tried using this approach with using both a cortisone 1% cream and acyclovir 5% cream at the same time and it does seem to have limited how severe they usually get.

Do you regularly change your mask? I suppose that it could make them worse but how much that will actually be contributing to an outbreak as opposed to irritating one that would happen anyway I’m not sure.

It makes sense that changing them regularly may help.

Have you tried taking l-lysine?

www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324696#risks

Ooob like @JesusInTheCabbageVan I came on to say the zapper too. I use that and fenistil cream. I had one last week actually but literally so small and they no longer spread like they used to.

DD says she's been getting more coldsores, and uses acyclovir cream. Have you tried the KN95 masks? They only touch your face around the edges so your note/mouth get a bit more air. We got a few different KN95 types off Amazon to try the different fits.

There is an antiviral medication for cold sores that her doctor can prescribe. I had to take it because I kept getting them every month

Thanks all. 2-3 times a year would be a dream, I get them at least 1 a month, often more.

I do have some some antiviral tablets that I can take when I first start getting a big outbreak, if it is just 1 coldsore I tend not to bother. But I would prefer to not get them in the first place.

I will look up l-lysine and the zapper thingy.

If it any comfort, I don’t get them anymore, thank goodness. I guess my cold sores ran out of space around my mouth and nose

Definitely try the l lysine. It really works for me. I've been taking it for a few years and only get them 1-2 times a year now and they are much smaller.

My DH is a HCP and frequent cold-sore sufferer. This has been made worse by mask wearing all day at work without doubt. He had a course of oral aciclovir recently which in the past has rendered him cold-sore free for 12 months or so but this time they came back about 2 months after treatment ended. They cause him a great deal of pain particularly nasal ones so you have my sympathies.

Arrrgghhhh. Another 2 cold sores popped up today along my lower lip.

Just moved house but the acyclovir tablets are going to be dug out of the boxes tomorrow!

If this is the mask it is going to be a painful few months!

Do you have any allergy to anything in the the mask fabric? I notice my lips started swelling after I wore some blue disposable ones, so switched to fabric.ones instead. Also, I always get a huge, painful coldsore after a visit to the dentist if he wears latex gloves. I usually take anti inflammatory painkillers on top of the usual zovirax/acyclovir.

Have you considered swapping to a face shield?

It would have the same effect as a mask on your emissions, but perhaps a little easier on the coldsores.

Going to try the tablets first then see if I can speak to a doctor if still getting them.

Do you find that stress triggers them though?
Hope you feel better soon. 💐

So massive one under nose has scabbed over but is very noticing. Two on the lower lip are just coming out and are at the throbbing stage.

It is tough enough teaching wearing as mask (have to be louder and students mutter between themselves more). So I'm a bit tired and now feeling fed up and grumpy and just a touch sorry for myself.

I am so ridiculously sensitive to the bloody things so yes stress is a trigger, as is being run down/ tired, the cold, sunshine, lipstick, lip balm.....

Ouch they look painful OP. I third the suggestion of l-lysine, I have been taking it daily for a few years now and it has massively decreased my number of outbreaks.
On the masks thing... mine have worsened since I’ve been wearing masks. Sadly I think they provide the perfect environment for them to spread.

I am in a similar situation were my cold sores have been lasting 6-8 weeks. I was able to work more from home to reduce mask wear. I stopped doing the lateral flow tests for a couple of weeks as I ended up reinfecting myself. I have only used the little tube of something which is useless. I will investigate the other suggestions. I am so paranoid about passing it on to my husband and children. Do you think it is worth talking to your GP?

Another one here saying definitely try for the zapper thing. It has to be used early to be totally effective but it is honestly life-changing. Yours do look super sore and they can make you feel thoroughly run down - I'd be tempted to call GP and ask for some help rather than waiting any longer. You must be feeling v miserable with them.

I’m a recurrent sufferer.

I saw a private dermatologist last year after I’d reached the end of my tether with it. I’m happy to share his instruction/advice.

He gave me a prescription for aciclovir tablets. He said at the slightest onset I was to take the dose prescribed, together with the aciclovir cream topically. I was also to take a twice daily dose of Lysiene, and a good multi vitamin. Avoid daylight. When the outbreak was under control reduce to a daily dose of lysiene. Continue the aciclovir maintenance dose for 6 months.

I haven’t had an outbreak since.

I usually start the outbreaks in spring when the sun comes so be said be watchful and be ready to start the aciclovir. Very first sign.

I also recommend l-lysine. I started taking it a few years back and haven’t had a single cold sore since then.