Bracing for Cold Sores with Freezing Weather Looming
It is no mystery that freezing cold weather can take its toll on our skin. Dry lips, chapped hands, and static shocks in the grocery store are all things people in Atlanta are well-versed in handling. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, cold weather can have many adverse effects on the skin. Most people can hide the itchy, dry skin they feel, but our faces are among the most exposed areas of skin, which is why chapped, cracked lips often lead to cold sores. What triggers them and how to treat them are topics every Atlantean should know.
Cold Sore Triggers
Cold sores are not only unsightly but also carry a stigma because the herpes simplex virus causes them. However, cold sores are often misunderstood, and in the wintertime, they can be triggered by dry, cracked lips. A cold sore, also called a fever blister, fills with fluid and is most often on the lips, but it can spread to the nose and other areas. Herpes simplex virus is highly contagious, and anyone with it should be mindful of not spreading the virus.
The herpes virus can be dormant in the body, and irritations and triggers can cause a breakout. A person may have had many cold sore breakouts as a child, but none as an adult. If the immune system is weakened by illness or the skin is overexposed to harsh weather or sunlight, a breakout can occur. Herpes simplex virus – 1 is the most common cause, but those with herpes simplex–2 (genital herpes) can also experience breakouts on the lip area.
Some triggers include chapped, dry lips; illness with a high fever; stress and exhaustion; excessive sun exposure; and hormonal changes, which can also increase the likelihood of cold sores. Cold, unprotected lips can cause trauma and weaken the skin, making it more vulnerable to an outbreak.
The Best Way to Treat Cold Sores is to Protect Against Them
The best way to treat cold sores is to take preventative measures to keep them hydrated and shield them from the wind. Even in the winter, overexposure to the sun’s harmful rays can take place, especially on the slopes or sled hills. The sun’s rays reflecting off the white ground can increase exposure and trigger a cold sore breakout. When spending time outside, use sunscreen on your face and a high-SPF lip balm. Even Zinc is an option for ski trips-those with the virus must be more cautious than others due to the risk of a cold sore breakout.
Some other ways to minimize the risk of a breakout include managing stress, keeping skin protected, eating a healthy diet, bathing regularly, and identifying early signs so you can treat cold sores immediately!
Cold Sores Are Treatable
If someone suffers from cold sores, they have the herpes simplex virus, which is incurable, but the condition is treatable, and one’s social life does not have to stop simply because of a breakout. A licensed dermatologist specializes in helping patients who suffer from cold sores and can provide prescriptions, either oral or topical, or both, to alleviate the likelihood of a cold sore breakout and minimize the time cold sores last. Oral medication can be taken at the first tingling sensation of a cold sore coming on, and oftentimes it never shows up.
Mild and Extreme Symptoms
When cold sores are mild, people try to manage them on their own. In the freezing weather and cold fronts that continue to move through Atlanta, the concern over dry, chapped lips may be something individuals are already managing quite well. Depending on symptom severity, treatment may not be necessary. However, if you or someone you care for is suffering from cold sores, they don’t have to. A young person heading to school, an adult heading to the office, or an adult heading to a social event can be negatively affected by a visible, blistering cold sore. Although over-the-counter medications can work for mild cases, anyone who suffers from cold sore breakouts knows that these don’t get the job done.
When treatments are available, why wouldn’t you visit a dermatologist and be proactive about treating the virus, so you never have to experience the discomfort and embarrassment of a cold sore on your lips, nose, or elsewhere? Contact Buckhead Dermatology today for an appointment with Dr. Sherrie Straughn. A local, she works with patients throughout Atlanta to manage cold sores and other skincare conditions and concerns. She is experienced in her field and a favorite among Atlanteans. Call her offices today for an appointment at 404-816-4000.