Do I need to chuck out my cosmetics after cold sores??

[lololizzy]

Just recovering from several of the buggers. really more than several..all round mouth, on lips,chin, nose. (very run down of late). Unfortunately as I didn't know they were coming (haven't had them full on before) I carried on using my usual war paint...and used some of it during too to try and look human at work. Am customer facing and twas embarrassing. Didn't work, no one looks great with 'disguised' scabs
Obviously I've chucked out foundation sponge and will replace toothbrush.
What about - lipstick / lip liner / small tins of Vaseline / lip gloss my lovely Mac ones aggghh can I re sharpen the liners? Can the gloss wands be wiped with antiseptic? Please don't tell me all must be thrown! Then again i don't want this again , either! Just how infectious are they?

If you re infect yourself, how quickly do they tend to come back? i mean, weeks or days??

am guessing even if i wipe the wands, the germs are in the actual gloss in the tube by now?

Unfortunately the virus doesn't reinfect you from outside it stays in your body dormant forever.

When you feel rundown it is able to erupt.

I wouldn't let anyone borrow your make up, but it won't make your problem any better or any worse.

Much sympathy, horrible things.

thanks for replying, StarBallBunny.
so i should keep the makeup, as the virus is already within me?
I would say I've had borderline/ mild coldsores over the years but not full blown blisters (hence I wasnt really sure what was coming and thought it was just chapped lips and dry skin, which I do get), but i've just had two weeks of virtually any sleep, plus had my period, and i guess that was enough to bring them out in full...
I have another question for those of you who suffer. I really apologise if this is TMI ...like i said, I had my period. I though i was scrupulous to wash my hands.. changing tampons...but...i'm getting the odd twinge/ tingle down below. This is bad news, right??? Can i prevent it from getting worse? it says on the Zovirax, not to be used on genitals (maybe i should move this to health thread too) what about bathing in tea tree?

Go and see your doctor regarding possible cross infection in the nethers. I thought I had done that, and it turns out it was an infection from shaving the lady garden.

I always apply zovirax with a cotton bud and not fingers, and carry it in my bag in one of those lipstick holder things with a mirror like this

If the unsightliness bothers you, how about one of those things you apply to cover it up like this although if they are anything like mine, they are too big and angry to touch let alone anything else.

Another tip - if you have a cold at the same time, I cover my cold sore with a bit of tissue, before blowing, just in case it's transferred to the nose. I've had them there too and believe me it's worse than on the lips.

thanks good idea. Ones around nose are more painful, as I get a cracking splitting feeling when move mouth..the skin is split and feels tight.
Am going to see doc on monday anyway so will mention it