Question 1

Does chapstick help to heal cold sores?

Accepted Answer

Your doctor can prescribe valtrex (valacyclovir). Melissa officinalis or lemon balm (cream) has been shown in european studies to help expedite healing of cold sores. It can reduce healing time by half. Studies also show that regular use can help v recurrences. Brief supplementation w lysine 1, 000mg orally 3x a day at the onset, can also hasten healing. Your dermatologist can also provide laser treatments.

Question 2

Why do i get cold sores after i apply chapstick?

Accepted Answer

I am not sure. If you have cold sore blisters it is best not to share eating utensils, chap sticks or lips sticks or kiss in order to prevent spreading the infection to someone else.

Question 3

Hi so ive had cold sores before but havent in a while, my lips were dry and i put chapstick on then they swelled up little blisters everywhere?

Accepted Answer

By the history this sounds like an allergic reaction to the lip balm.  However, do you feel the same symptoms (burning, tingling or pain) that you feel when you get your cold sores?  If you can't tell, then it would be best to go see a dermatologist who can make the diagnosis usually by seeing the lesions.  The Dr. may have to perform a viral culture to be sure.  A culture is not painful.

Question 4

How come everytime i use chapstick/lip balm my lips get cold sores/blisters?

Accepted Answer

Could be a couple things one you could've used the Chapstick when you had herpes and keep re-infecting yourself. Another possibility is you use the Stick when you're out in the sun and sunburned can cause a flareup of herpes. For specific diagnosis and treatment recommend health visit

Question 5

Can lip balm make anyone else break out into cold sores?

Accepted Answer

I have not heard of this being a trigger. However, if you used lip balm that was previously used by someone with a cold sore - you could become infected with the herpes simplex virus type 1 (if not previously exposed).

Question 6

Do i need to throw away my personal care items after a breakout of cold sore like shampoo, soap, lotions, chapstick etc?

Accepted Answer

So you got a "cold sore". Probably herpes simplex type 1. The virus is present, but hiding in the ganglion of a nerve. It is there all the time. Your immunity prevents any spread to another place on your body.You already carry it and cannot "catch" it again. If recurrence is a problem, protection from the sun can reduce frequency. Valacyclovir pill is very effective. Forget any topicals or herbs.

Question 7

If i used chapstick on my lips while i had a cold sore is it safe to keep using it after the sore is gone or should i throw it away?

Accepted Answer

If a cold sore is freshly oozing, there are lots of viruses there. If it hasn't broken open, or has already scabbed over, there is less chance of viral transmission... to other people who have not caught herpes yet. But, if a person already has herpes, she has immunity to that strain of herpes and should not be able to catch it again. She gets recurrent sores from herpes hiding inside her nerves.

Question 8

I have a cold sore. i get these whenever i have a sinus infection. i wanted to go tanning before an upcoming wedding. can i still use the tanning bed with spf chapstick or will it make it worse?

Accepted Answer

UV radiation can trigger oral herpes (cold sore) outbreaks, but once an outbreak is underway, it may make no difference. But to play it safe, maybe better to cover the sore (e.g. with a small bandaid patch) and not rely on sunscreen. The main thing is antiviral treatment:  you will dramatically shorten the outbreak by taking a single large dose (2 grams) of valacyclovir at first sign.

Question 9

What is the cause of cold sores?

Accepted Answer

Cold sores on the lips or near the lips, are usually caused by recurrent oral herpes virus. They start as a slightly raised reddish area, then form a cluster of tiny blisters, which break open soon, leaving a sore (ulcer) to heal up over a week. Sores appear more often when one is under stress or is ill from another illness. Younger babies with herpes should see a doctor when a sore appears.

Question 10

Can oral sex cause cold sores?

Accepted Answer

HSV infection can be transmitted from mouth to genitals during oral sexual contact. Therefore, people with oral HSV who are sexually active should use condoms or protection barriers with every oral sexual encounter.

Can chapstick cause cold sores

Does chapstick help to heal cold sores?

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Why do i get cold sores after i apply chapstick?

Hi so ive had cold sores before but havent in a while, my lips were dry and i put chapstick on then they swelled up little blisters everywhere?

How come everytime i use chapstick/lip balm my lips get cold sores/blisters?

Can lip balm make anyone else break out into cold sores?

Do i need to throw away my personal care items after a breakout of cold sore like shampoo, soap, lotions, chapstick etc?

If i used chapstick on my lips while i had a cold sore is it safe to keep using it after the sore is gone or should i throw it away?

I have a cold sore. i get these whenever i have a sinus infection. i wanted to go tanning before an upcoming wedding. can i still use the tanning bed with spf chapstick or will it make it worse?

What is the cause of cold sores?

Can oral sex cause cold sores?

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