Can ChapSticks Help with Cold Sores?

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Cold sores are a common and uncomfortable condition caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). While they usually clear up on their own, there are ways to ease the symptoms. But can ChapSticks and other lip balms effectively prevent or treat cold sores?

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What Are Cold Sores?

Cold sores are small blisters that typically form around the lips or in the mouth. They can cause burning, itching, and general discomfort. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which is highly contagious and spreads through skin-to-skin contact. There are two types of HSV: HSV-1 and HSV-2. Both can cause cold sores, but HSV-1 is the most common type and usually causes oral herpes or cold sores.

What’s the Difference Between Canker Sores and Cold Sores?

Cold sores differ from canker sores, which are open wounds that form inside your mouth. Canker sores aren’t contagious, but cold sores are.

What Causes Cold Sores?

Cold sores result from the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which spreads through skin-to-skin contact. You can pick up HSV by kissing someone who has it or sharing personal effects. It can cause cold sores to flare up when something triggers them, such as fatigue, fever, colds and respiratory infections, sunlight or wind exposure, extreme temperatures, stress, or hormonal changes.

How Do Cold Sores Spread?

Cold sores are mostly spread via skin-to-skin contact. The herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores enters the body through mucous membranes or small breaks in the skin. It then travels to the dorsal root ganglion — a cluster of nerve cells near the base of the spine. It remains there until something triggers it to travel back down the nerve to the skin’s surface. A study looking into the incidence of HSV revealed that in 2016, 66.6% of the global population under 50 years of age (3.7 billion people) were infected with HSV-1.

How to Avoid Spreading Cold Sores

You can avoid spreading cold sores by practicing good hygiene and avoiding close contact with others during an active outbreak. Be sure to wash your hands regularly, especially after touching your face or a cold sore. It’s also a good idea to avoid sharing personal effects like cups, cutlery, clothes, bedding, towels, lipsticks, and lip balms. Avoiding personal contact with others (like kissing) is also advisable during an outbreak.

Can ChapStick and Other Lip Balms Help Treat Cold Sores?

ChapStick is a brand of lip balm that can help moisturize and protect the lips from becoming chapped or dry. However, it won’t create the same barrier on the lips as a medicated lip balm. While some unmedicated lip balms with natural ingredients like beeswax can help alleviate pain from cold sores, medicated lip balms with ingredients like docosanol are more effective at treating cold sores.

What Are Some Cold Sore Natural Remedies?

Home remedies can also help soothe and treat cold sore discomfort. Some popular home remedies include applying a cold, damp cloth to the cold sore, using lip balm or petroleum jelly to moisturize the lips, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

The Lowdown

Cold sores can be uncomfortable and last over ten days. While ChapStick and other lip balms can help moisturize and protect the lips, it’s important to avoid sharing these items while you have a cold sore. Your doctor may prescribe medicine like famciclovir, penciclovir, or valacyclovir to help your cold sore clear as soon as possible. In the meantime, using a medicated lip balm or other home remedies can provide extra relief. Remember to practice good hygiene habits and avoid skin-to-skin contact with others to prevent the spread of cold sores while you have active sores.