To wash, or not to wash

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Nov 23, 2011

Amanda J.

So I get cold sores when the seasons change, or when there is a drastic change in the weather. We recently got our first snow of the season, and I just erupted with a few! >.< I have a cluster of them under my bottom lip, so they're kind of hard to see. And then I have one on the right side of my upper lip. My skin is cucky, and when I rub it dirty dead skin comes off in little clumps. I don't know if it's okay to wash my face though. I asked my mom, but she's clueless. So, will it spread if I do? Cause I'm trying to nip these in the bud. :( 

You can wash your face but you need to wash with extreme care working from your forehead down with your mouth being last. I know some people disagree with me when I stated last time someone asked about cold sores and stating that cold sores are a herpes virus but that's exactly what it is - one type of herpes. Because it's a virus there are no antibiotics you can take to help cure you and it's something you'll have for the rest of your life AND it's highly contagious if you have them on your mouth and you CAN spread it to your eyes if you're not careful. When the cold sores are dormant you're not contagious.

My best advice is to ask a doctor because there might be prescription medications and balms to help. You can wash your face normally but avoid your mouth. When it comes to you mouth use a white wash cloth and warm water only. When your done you can then wash the cloth in hot bleach water either by hand or in the washer machine but make sure you wash it with a bit of bleach to kill the virus. Do not use any type of topical creams or lotions on your mouth at this time because you don't want to get an infection. Do not touch your mouth then touch your eyes or anyone else and make sure to wash your hands with soap and very warm water if you do touch your mouth ESPECIALLY if you have an open sore.

Nov 23, 2011

Amanda J.

Yeah, I use zovirax as a topical and this one pill I take at the onset of it, and then twelve hours later. I've done all that, but they're being stubborn. I guess it's okay to wash my face. :P And I know it's herpes. I'm not clueless, I just didn't know if it was okay to wash my face. Thanks for the info Yasmin! ^.^ I'm gonna wash my face now... lol

Well, remember that there will be others who read this and may not know it's herpes. Surprisingly many people don't. ;)

You're safe to wash your face, just do the mouth area last. :D

Nov 25, 2011

Amanda J.

That's interesting. lol Thanks Yasmin! :D