Please provide some do's and don'ts on dealing with cold sores.

Ignore: Use of topical Abreva or Acyclovir will reduce duration of symptoms by a couple of days.

Don't: Don't pick at the cold sore, it can make it worse!

Ignore: Avoid kissing if they have sore, avoid sharing utensils or towels, & protect your lips from the sun.

Ignore: These are contagious to lips and genitals,so no kissing,etc..

Ignore: Get in to the doctor when you are developing one. 48-72 hour window to start anti-viral meds.

Keep: Keep a cold sore moist with any type of lip balm such a chap stick. Take Valtrex (valacyclovir) before sore appears.

Cold: Cold sores often occur on or near mucus membranous areas, such as a lip or the mouth.

Antiviral: Antiviral medication is often given only if needed to help treat cold sores.

Cold: Cold sore outbreak is more likely to happen as a result of lowered immunity or increased stress.

Ignore: Use aluminum acetate to dry up cold sore, use OTC Abreva to shorten course, and try new Sitavig.

Ignore: Do find out if you have herpes cold sore or canker sore, they are treated quite differently.see derm.

Lips: Lips can't tan (no melanin), sunburned lips can cause cold sores. Always use gloss/cream w/ SPF.

Dry,: Dry, chapped lips can lead to fever blisters. Moisturize lips often in winter or when chapped.