Tag: Stress

Cold sores, cause and stigma.

Dear Dave,

I started getting cold sores for the first time. I feel embarrassed and don't want to be seen with them. Why do I get them and surely I am not the only one who feels the way I do?

From A Cold Sore Victim

Dear Cold Sore Victim,

It’s time to shed some light on it: cold sores. These pesky little blisters, also known as fever blisters, can be quite common, yet they’re often misunderstood and carry a significant social stigma.

Let’s start with the basics: cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), primarily HSV-Contrary to what some may believe, cold sores aren’t just a result of being unclean or engaging in risky behavior. In fact, many people carry the virus without ever experiencing symptoms. Once infected, the virus can remain dormant in the body for years before reactivating, typically during times of stress, illness, or hormonal changes.

Now, here’s where the stigma comes into play. Despite their prevalence, cold sores are often unfairly associated with negative judgments and misconceptions. Some people mistakenly believe that those with cold sores are unhygienic or promiscuous, which couldn’t be further from the truth. The reality is that cold sores can affect anyone, regardless of their lifestyle or personal habits.

Unfortunately, this stigma can have real consequences for those living with cold sores. Like you many people feel embarrassed or ashamed of their outbreaks, leading them to hide their condition or avoid social situations altogether. This not only impacts their mental well-being but can also strain relationships and hinder their ability to seek help & treatment.

So, how can we break the stigma surrounding cold sores? Education and empathy are key. By understanding the true cause of cold sores and recognizing that they’re a common and manageable condition. If you or someone you know experiences cold sores, remember that you’re not alone. There are treatments available to help manage outbreaks and reduce their frequency.

Feel free to email me for a free report showing you how to prevent cold sores outbreaks. Like you I suffered for cold sores for years before discovering an inexpensive (less than a nickel a day), non prescription way to prevent cold sore outbreaks.

Dave Conley
Founder of No More Cold Sores

I’m back – Stress and cold sores go hand in hand.

Job related stress, 62% of workers say that work is their #1 source of stress.  Add to that family responsibilities, financial stress, lack of sleep and you have a snapshot of the typical American household.

Stress will cause cold sores if you already have the herpes simplex virus. When you’re stressed or even just feeling run down, this can affect your immune system. When your immune system is under pressure, the resistance to any virus isn’t as strong so the virus (cold sore) has a chance to break out again.

Once you have had a cold sore outbreak (and have the herpes virus HSV-1), the virus lies dormant in nerve cells in your skin and may emerge as another cold sore at the same place as before.

Now if we read the typical advice given at the online medical references we read things such as:

All of these are true, and good ideas but like the last few months for me (I run a tax preparation business) it is literally IMPOSSIBLE to not be stressed at work.  Can you identify ?

  • More work to do than there are hours to do it?
  • Pressure to do more work, with less time and resources?
  • Family stressors do not “pause” during stressful times at work.

Life cannot always be balanced and stress free… at least not in the “real” world.  This is when the nasty HSV-1 virus rears its ugly head and we get that “tingly” feeling telling us that a cold sore is getting ready to appear.

What do you do ?

It is too late for most treatments… Abreva, Lysine, cremes, home remedies none can stop the outbreak.  All they MAY do is limit the length of the outbreak.  This used to be my dilemma, that is until I discovered how to prevent cold sores outbreaks permanently.

If you also suffer from cold sores during stress filled times in your life, like I did.  You do not have to suffer from a cold sore outbreak again, and they can be prevented without the expense and potential side effects of a prescription antiviral drug.  Take a look at the free report provided at coldsores.us.