Cold Sores

• Chronic, cold sores are uncureable
• Topical Acyclovir Cream to reduce the flare up
• Sunlight can trigger it
• Viral infection (herpes simplex) which stays dormant until triggered and is never removed by the immune system
• Symptoms usually resolve in 2 weeks
• Antivirals only effective in the tingling, reddening of skin, day 0-1
• The open legion stage is the most contagious and painful
• No cure but topical aciclovir can reduce outbreak
• Avoid kissing and sharing objects when there are active sores