There is currently no cure for cold sores, but thankfully there are ointments and creams available to ease the symptoms, and supplements which, taken frequently, can support the immune system and provide a daily dose of amino acid L-Lysine.

For anyone who suffers from recurring cold sores, it can be important to understand what might be triggering your outbreaks so that, whenever possible, you can attempt to avoid the triggers or modify your lifestyle so that the frequency of outbreaks might be reduced.

What triggers a cold sore?

Below we have listed the common triggers for cold sores. By avoiding these, you could find that you do not suffer outbreaks as often.

Generally speaking, the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) responsible for cold sores only comes out of dormancy when your immune system is weakened. This means that an outbreak could develop when you:

• Are feeling stressed
• Are fatigued
• Have been exposed to UV light (the sun or sun-beds)
• Are suffering from an illness (this could just be a common cold)
• Have been exposed to extreme temperatures (hot or cold)
• Are pregnant or menstruating
• Have suffered an injury to the area around your lips
• Have undergone a dental procedure
• Have eaten foods with a high arginine content (this amino acid helps HSV-1 replicate)

Of course, some of these triggers cannot be avoided. However, by taking the time to find out what triggers your cold sores, you can prepare yourself for an outbreak. 

Changes to your lifestyle can help

Protect your lips, even when you're not mid-outbreak. Exposure to wind and sun (or extreme temperatures) can be a cold sore trigger, causing cracking and dry lips and damaging the delicate skin barrier.

Our recommendation? Herstat Lip Care Stick - delivering daily protection and skin barrier support to sensitive lips every day between outbreaks. Looks and feels like regular, clear lip balm, and enriched with bee propolis for skin protectant effects. 

Support your immune system. Suffering from a common cold or another illness that compromises your immune system can be a trigger. Support your immune system by eating healthily, keeping fit and well wherever possible, and taking immune support supplements.

Our recommendation? Herstat L-Lysine & Propolis - an expert-led blend of Vitamin C and Zinc (for immune support and lip health), Vitamin E (for oxidative stress relief), L-Lysine (an amino acid believed to suppress arginine levels in the body - a compound believed to trigger cold sores at high levels) and Propolis (antioxidant-packed immune system of the beehive)

Be prepared: Sometimes, there is nothing you can do to prevent a cold sore (no matter what some brands will tell you!). But you can prepare yourself for those situations, by making sure you're stocked up on treatments wherever and whenever you may need it.

Our recommendation? Stock up on Herstat outbreak symptom relief or treatment so that you feel prepared and in control if an outbreak strikes when you're least expecting it or can't do anything about it - think menstruation, a dental operation or a lip injury.

OR build a bundle so that you can build routine resilience and feel in control