Cold Sores

[PearTreeBoat]

I know a lot of people think people that suffer with cold sores are some sort of leper even though around 70% of adults carry the virus, just most people are lucky enough not to show any symptoms or have very mild symptoms.

Unfortunately for me I get horrendous outbreaks and am currently having the worst outbreak I've ever had. My entire top and bottom lips are covered in large blisters which also spread down to my chin.

I've been prescribed 2 strong painkillers (one being specifically for nerve pain) as well as a double dose anti-viral. I'm also being sent for more blood tests as the doctors are concerned about both the frequency and the severity of the outbreaks I get.

I had full bloods taken last year to investigate and everything came back clear.

Has anyone else been/going through anything similar and can give any advice on what else I can try to minimise the outbreaks.

I lead a fairly healthy lifestyle, always room for improvement but keep active with the gym and running and eat healthy 80% of the time.

I'm now just at my wits end having just ruined another weeks leave as can't go out as not only do I look awful but am struggling to eat or drink anything.

Surely this can't be normal.

Thank you again all so much.

I'm definitely going to go to my next GP appointment with a bit more direction rather than just keep accepting that it's just either sun or stress/run down as I can get a bad outbreak without sun and whilst feeling great and rested.

I know there is no cure for them but if I can figure out what is the most likely trigger for them then I can at least try and avoid that to minimise the outbreaks.

I now have a renewed hope thank you 😁

My dentist was far more knowledgable then the GP about gluten sensitivity.

I’ve seen a dermatologist for this, just last month, as I was so fed up. I’m happy to share the bupa wisdom given to me

He drew me a diagram. It made so much sense. There is a nerve in the face which runs down the cheek and has little branches. Classically some branches end at the edges of the lips and occasionally some end further down the chin. The virus goes down these nerve endings and sits there having a fairly sedate time, kept In check by your immune system. Then something messes it up - sunlight, lockdown, diet, other issues which keep our immune system busy elsewhere, and BING virus gets through to the nerve end and makes itself known....for a very short time (blister) then our knackered immune system wades in with scabbing and healing.

Lysiene was recommended. As was a check on vitamin D, as was antivirals next summer she the sun comes out and will likely trigger again.

They are a pain but the right dose of antiviral at the right time (identifying triggers) should help

Is it possible that you have Type 2 herpes on your face instead of the more common Type 1? Apparently Type 2 is a lot more virulent on the face. My neighbour has bad outbreaks that make her neck and everything swell, and she said it’s because she has Type 2.

Ouch feel your pain , mine are triggered by the sun to I think.
Just recovering from my worst one yet after a day at the beach where the wind made it feel chilly but was obvs very warm.
Spread from my nose to my mouth and absolute agony.
Watching for any tips.

Have you been tested for Coeliac disease or Crohns?

I have a light therapy machine thingy that you hold over the area three times per day when you feel it coming and it has seriously changed my life! They do still come out but I’m talking a little tiny one compared to a massive heaving gunky painful mess! I got mine from boots a few years ago

@PearTreeBoat
If you haven't already then it's worth getting investigated for coeliac disease. It causes immune dysfunction and as you already have IBS, worth investigating. It's very underdiagnosed.

Also take daily lysine tablets - life changing! I also get outbreaks associated with my menstrual cycle - usually just before my period. Lysine totally controls them.

I really sympathise OP because this was me. At least four, sometimes six, times a year. They are very painful.

Interestingly I haven't had one for 9 years now. My first pregnancy seemed to 'cure' them. I've read of a few people reporting the same. Quite extreme as cures go though.

I have suffered with cold sores sincea child and have scars around my lips. I am like you where they appear usually at times of stress where I am run down. I bought a lipzor....I was pessimistic but if you use it when you feel the tingle i have found it to be very effective, doesnt always stop them appearing but when they do it clears quickly