How long are cold sores infectious for?

[ameliameerkat]

Every so often I get a cold sore on my lower lip. They are evil. This one started swelling up yesterday, is starting to go all dry and scabby by today. I guess if I kiss when I have one I could give it to the guy? (Think I've been single the other times I've had one!). Do I have to wait until it's completely cleared up before kissing is ok again? (and oral sex?! ) And I'm guessing going swimming is a bad idea? (unless I miraculously managed to keep my mouth out of the water the entire time......)

I stay away from dh and the kids while mine are weeping bit as soon as they dry I carry on as normal. I get one on my nose a couple of times a year and dh or my children have never caught them.

Treat like chicken pox I think.

they are contagious from the moment you get the first tingle to until it has scabbed over. start using zovirax at the first tingle to shorten the duration. They are very very contagious. Herpes in the eye can cause serious complications. Definitely do not swim, kiss or have oral sex with one! I mean when you have one, obviously you are not actually going to go on a date with and then kiss a cold sore!

They are infectious. try taking Lysine ( from health food shop) supplement. I find it helps clear them up faster also if I take it when I feel one coming, it sometimes reduces or even prevents it.

Thanks for the advice people.

Irritatingly I didn't have the warning tingles this time! But I have been a bit run down of late, so I guess I was more susceptible to get one.

My other half is due back from holiday on Sunday and I don't think it'll be gone by then, but apparently his lips are all chapped (he's on an outdoorsy type holiday) so it looks like kissing is off the menu from both sides!

Apart from being run down the other trigger for me is hot sunny weather! Also put on sunscreen/block when sunbathing or out in the sun for lenghty periods.