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Article: Soothe the Common Cold Sore.
- Article from:
- Pediatrics for Parents
- Article date:
- March 1, 2001
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2001 Pediatrics for Parents, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Spring is here with outdoor sports, fun in the sun, and, for some, cold sores. Outbreaks tend to increase as spring's sun, wind, and cold air irritate and dry out skin, activating the virus that causes cold sores.
Once infected with the virus that causes cold sores, a person will always be susceptible to an outbreak. An estimated 80-90 percent of the American population carry the herpes simplex type 1 virus. But only one in five get cold sores on their lips, mouth, or gums.
Since the virus is highly contagious, the best defense is to avoid contact with anyone who has visible cold sores. Don't share lip balms, avoid drinking from the same glass, wash ...