How to Emotionally deal with Cold Sores

You might think “Why Me? Why it seems like I’m the only one on this planet walking around with cold sores on my lips? “. The truth is that 70% to 80% of the population carry the Herpes Simplex Virus type-1 (HSV-1) the most commo
Herpes strain that cause labial herpes.

People like you and me just suffer from a subtle cellular immune deficiency. That’s it. We’re not devious people with promiscuous behavior, kissing everything that stands in our way; our immune system is just more vulnerable to cold sore outbreaks.

It’s not an easy condition to deal with, but one day, you will have to accept your condition, because once you carry the virus you are infected for life.

The Don’ts

Don’t beat yourself: It’s not your fault if those cold sores keep coming back!

Don’t ignore the symptoms: Not it is not just a pimple or a sunburn. Symptoms won’t go away just because you ignore them.

Don’t hide your condition to your partner or lover: Having oral sex while experiencing an outbreak can be very dangerous. You can pass the HSV-1 to your partner's genitals. Maybe they will leave, but do you really want someone that shortsighted who can’t see pass a simple virus?

Don’t immerse yourself in self-pity: It is alright to have some self-pity thoughts, but don’t let them take over your life!

The do’s

Talk about it: Talk to your friends and family. Even if they can’t relate, they can give you hope, love and make you feel better in a snap!

Educate yourself: Knowing the facts about cold sores can give you an edge over the disease. It will make you feel more in control.

Manage your stress: In today’s fast paced world, avoiding both physical and emotional stress can be next to impossible, but stress has a direct effect on your general well being. Whether it’s by meditation, mild exercise or yoga, you need to take extra steps to avoid stress, or at the very least, reduce it. Find whatever works for you, and stick with it.

Keep a positive attitude and be grateful: Laugh! Have fun, life is good; make the most out of it! Think about the things that you are grateful for in your life; spouse, friends, family your pet or a lovely sunny day.

Final words

There is hope, even if cold sores can feel like a burden sometimes. There are many ways to prevent cold sores; pharmaceutical products (acyclovir, valacyclovir), dietary supplements (Lysine, Vitamin C, Zinc, Indole-3-Carbinol, etc…) and healthy dieting. Talk to people with cold sores they might have some useful tips for you! Don’t worry, you are not alone.