Are you a victim of recurring cold sores? If so, read on…because I’m about to teach you why some people get recurring cold sores, and the number one way to prevent these frequent, chronic cold sores from making an unwanted appearance on your face!
For approximately two decades of my life, I experienced cold sore outbreaks.
And for many of those years, I endured recurring cold sores.
Well, the word “recurring” would be quite an understatement.
The term “chronic cold sores” would more accurately describe the health issue I endured for so many years.
During my late teen years, all the way to my mid-20’s, I would get anywhere from 4-8 cold sores per year.
As a result of this, while my friends were out meeting girls, dating, having sex, and getting in relationships, I was hiding from the world. I was too afraid to date, because every couple of weeks or months, I would get a BIG, disgusting, humiliating cold sore on my lip.
What kind of girl would want to date or kiss someone like that?
No More Recurring Cold Sores!
Fortunately, I did my due diligence and learned everything I could on why I was getting recurring cold sores, and how to stop my frequent, chronic cold sores from breaking out on my lip.
The result?
I’ve now been cold-sore-free for over four years!
After studying the science behind what causes cold sores, I found out the main reason why so many people get recurring cold sores.
Then, I devised a natural, holistic system for preventing this number one cold sore trigger from happening. Would you like to stop recurring cold sores from manifesting their ugliness on your face?
If so, read on to learn how to eliminate cold sores from your life for good!
Recurring Cold Sores – HSV Overview
Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are groups of small blisters that form on or near the lips. Cold sores are a result of something called herpes simplex virus (HSV).
There are two types of HSV, and both can cause cold sores. HSV-1 typically is responsible for cold sores, and HSV-2 is most often the cause of genital herpes.
However, both types of HSV can cause cold sores or genital herpes.
After primary infection, the virus resides in the associated dorsal root ganglion where it lies dormant until an external stimuli (such as stress or immunosuppression) initiate reactivation of the virus from dormancy.
The virus lives on forever, and that’s why people continue to get recurring cold sores over and over again.
What’s the Number One Reason For Recurring Cold Sores?
Once you’ve been infected with the herpes simplex virus, there are a number of things that can trigger an outbreak.
I know I promised to provide you with the number one cause of recurring cold sores, however, the top two cold sore triggers are so equally important that I need to list them both.
The top 2 causes of recurring cold sores are:
- Immunosuppression
- Stress
If you want to stop recurring cold sores, the absolute best things you can do are to focus on enhancing your immune function, and reducing the amount of stress you experience.
Recurring Cold Sores – Importance of a Strong Immune System
When the immune system is experiencing peak vitality and efficacy, this is typically able to fend off the herpes simplex virus from coming out of dormancy.
When the immune system is functioning low below the optimal level, the herpes simplex virus is more prone to “waking up,” coming out of dormancy and becoming “active,” thus causing a cold sore outbreak.
Herpes simplex virus
One of the main reasons people get cold sore outbreaks is because of a compromised immune system.
Herpes simplex lesions are referred to as “cold sores” and “fever blisters” because people are more susceptible to outbreaks when they have a cold or flu virus (compromised immune function).
Here are some effective ways to keep your immune system strong and healthy:
- Nutrition
- Hydration
- Supplementation
- Exercise
- Adequate levels of sleep and rest
- Healthy stress management
- Having a balance of work and rejuvenation
- Healthy relationships
- Laughter
- Spend time in nature
If you’re really committed to getting rid of your recurring cold sores, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND taking a supplement called Immune Support.
Immune Support is an organic cold sore prevention supplement that has helped countless individuals. It works by boosting your immune system and preventing the herpes simplex virus from causing a cold sore.
Learn how Immune Support works…
Recurring Cold Sores – How To Reduce Stress
One of the top reasons people get recurring cold sores is due to high levels of STRESS. To effectively put an end to recurring cold sores, do yourself a favor and work on reducing the amount of stress in your life.
Have you noticed that cold sores appear during stressful periods of life? Or perhaps they come when you’re sad or even angry?
These psychological states can trigger cold sores with a high frequency.
Low stress levels make it more difficult for the herpes simplex virus to wake up out of dormancy and create a cold sore lesion.
Things that can help prevent stress are:
- Exercise
- Meditation
- Taichi
- Qigong
- Epsom salt baths
- Biofeedback
- Journaling
- Working a job or running a business that you enjoy
- Healthy relationships
- Quality time with friends
- Personal development books, audios, DVD’s, and seminars
- Hugs
Recurring Cold Sores – Key Concepts
Now that you know why people get recurring cold sores, let’s briefly review the key concepts on this subject.
Here are the main reasons people get recurring cold sores:
- The herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores has no cure, so once a person gets infected, the virus stays with them for life.
- Stress is running rampant in this day and age, and stress is one of the main triggers of recurring cold sores.
- Low immune function is one of the top triggers of frequent and chronic cold sores, and most people don’t focus on eating a diet and taking a supplement formula that boosts immunity.
If you have any comments or questions on the subject of recurring cold sores, please post them in the comment box below.
Marina Wellis says
I frequently experience having a cold sore, and I can definitely say that it is quite frustrating. Eating and talking become quite difficult, and it makes it hard for me to focus on tasks at hand. I thought there’s no cure for it until you mentioned focusing on improving my immune system and reducing the amount of stress in my system. I don’t know how to do that, but I’ll try. It might also be good to seek professional help while I’m at it. Thanks!
Matt says
Hi Marina,
What I’ve found helped me the most was to enhance my immune system. I still get stressed, but it’s not as bad as it used to be, and nowadays I also take immune-boosting supplements and foods. I’m going to provide links to articles I wrote on boosting immune function and reducing stress, and I believe you’ll get a lot of helpful tips from them:
Ultimate Guide To Preventing Cold Sores>>
6 Proven Ways to Reduce Stress, Be Happier, and Prevent Cold Sores>>
Bob says
I’ve started a new job and one month in I got a cold sore. I felt like it was caused by stress and thinking I wasn’t doing well in training. Now it has some weird white scab instead of the original scab as that one fell off. I hate having it on my face (it’s not even on my lip, it’s between my chin and lower lip, right about my goatee hairline) and it gets so huge and then hangs around forever. Usually two full weeks unless I get valtrex in the first day or two.
Matt says
Hi Bob,
Man, I totally relate. I remember being stressed out after starting a new job and getting a cold sore, then calling in to quit because I couldn’t stand the thought of going to work with a herpes sore on my lip. Awful times back then. I’m sorry to learn that this just happened to you.I always got them on my lip, but I’ve seen other with the cold sores on their face somewhere close to their lips.
Eliza says
For years now, I’ve been getting cold sores one after another every few weeks. Sometimes one would be healing on my lip and I’d get one in my nose. I have no clue why it happens. I’m not a health freak, but I think I eat somewhat healthy, or at least use to, and now I think I’m starting to get them on my gum line. What can I do? It really puts a damper on my love life. Even though my boyfriend is understanding, I hate not being able to kiss him fully for weeks at a time as a sore is healing up.
Matt says
Hi Eliza,
I’m glad your boyfriend is understanding that really helps. But still no fun to have cold sores, and no fun to not be able to kiss your love. I’m going to post a link to an article I wrote that should really show you all the many things you could do to prevent cold sores:
Ultimate Guide To Preventing Cold Sores>>
Kate says
I am so sick of this awful virus. I have been getting cold sores for 20 years, usually a couple of times a year, but now it’s every couple of weeks.
I’ve just gotten rid of one massive one from 2 weeks ago which has left a terrible scar, and now 2 more have appeared (one on top lip, one below it on the bottom).
Over the years I’ve tried aciclovier cream, and the tablets, l-lysine, garlic,
propolis, camphor, tea tree, ibuprofen (Advil), salt, compeed patches , toothpaste (to name a few) and I give them a good go, one thing for the duration of the cold sore so I know if it is helping, next time I try something else.
I am vigilant about not touching it and use only q tips to apply anything to it or clean it.
I’ve found nothing that has shortened the life span or speeded up the healing.
The salt does dry it out quicker but leaves a bad scab which is when I’ve had the worst scars.
The current cold sores that have appeared are from snow boarding, I had my face covered with a scarf, but I think breathing into the scarf in minus 24 weather has caused them this time.
I’m pretty active, always outdoors in my free time (I wear sunscreen and cover up to be on the safe side). I try to limit the stress in my life. I do, and teach yoga.
The only time I get stressed is recently when another sore appears.
I take a multivitamin everyday, and take liquid D3.
I eat healthily, but I have read what you have said about arginine.
I’m vegetarian so I get a lot of my protein from nuts and seeds, and usually have oats for my breakfast.
Not sure what to do about my diet?
I’m at a loss of what else to do.
I feel disgusting and just want to hide away, it’s really bringing me down as it recurring so frequently.
It affects my relationship too as I can’t kiss my partner and just want to hide from him.
While he doesn’t bother about the cold sores, he hates that I hide away.
If you have any advice it would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks.
Matt says
Snowboarding, skiing, surfing, wakeboarding, and any type of sport where you’re in the elements can lead to cold sore outbreaks. At the hight of my recurring cold sores, that was when I was surfing all the time. It could be from all the nuts and seeds you’re consuming as well.
My Uncle Mike and my dad as well are prone to cold sore outbreaks when they’ve snacked on nuts as they both really love to do this. I used to get cold sore outbreaks from nuts and seeds, and dark chocolate, but now these don’t trigger outbreaks in me anymore.
I’m so sorry you’re getting these recurring cold sores! The nuts, seeds, and grains are common triggers for people. Maybe you could focus more on fresh fruits, veggies, coconut oil, and other foods that actually prevent cold sores. And I highly recommend boosting the number of antioxidants you get in your diet and supplement regimen. Especially on days where you snowboard…I would take extra antioxidants for sure.
Gina says
I so fustrated with with cold sores i get so much out breaks as so as i get rid of one another one is poping up. I made a doctors visit and he did precribed meds for me but i feel like it makes it worse. Its so embrassing and depressing. I know i will always get them but i jus want to stop getting so much out breaks help me!!!
Matt says
Gina, I feel your pain! I had the same issue and I know how horrible it can make living. Make sure you boost your immune system as that is the number one thing you can do to prevent cold sores. And find out what things (such as foods) trigger your outbreaks and avoid them.
Stephanie says
I’m pretty sure I’ve had a cold sore every year of my life since I was 12 (guessing). Each time I try something a little different.
This time, however, I am on my third cold sore in one month. Now it’s causing stress because I have an event coming up and the last thing I want is a mark on my face.
It just began to appear last night and I am keeping my hands extra clean with hand sanitizer, avoiding any contact with my lips other than Chapstick, changed out my toothbrush, and (according to your advice) will be picking up an immune boosting vitamin today.
Do you happen to have any other ideas that would quickly start working to get rid of this thing?
Matt says
Hi Stephanie,
I’m so sorry that you’re getting all these recurring cold sores. Three in a month is absolutely awful and no one should have to deal with that. If you haven’t already checked out my free Ultimate Guide To Preventing Cold Sores, you can learn more tips there.
Additionally, to help you heal your current cold sore, I encourage you to check out the following article, which has all the top remedies for speeding up the healing time of cold sores:
Cold Sore Remedies THAT WORK>>
Between these two resources, you will have a ton of great tips and tactics to help you out. Study my website as there is plenty of helpful info that can teach you how to treat and prevent cold sores. Take care.