Cold Sores

Cold Sores

If you’re over age 60, you stand a better chance of seeing a blizzard in Phoenix than of getting a cold sore, dentists say. “As you get older, cold sores tend to burn themselves out,” says Michael Siegel, D.D.S., associate professor of oral medicine and diagnostic sciences at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry in Baltimore.

Why cold sores, which appear on the outsides of your lips and are also known as fever blisters, subside as you age is a mystery. But some researchers suspect that the body, in a process that can take decades, gradually becomes more resistant to herpes simplex, the virus that causes cold sores, Dr. Siegel says.

If you are among the few older Americans who continue to get cold sores, you probably have years of experience in dealing with them and know a number of ways to ease an outbreak. But here are a few reminders.

Try This First

Drop a tannic bomb. Over-the-counter drops (such as Zilactin-L) that contain tannic acid can, if applied soon enough, prevent a cold sore from forming or, at the very least, help to reduce its size, says Brad Rodu, D.D.S., professor in the department of pathology at the University of Alabama School of Medicine in Birmingham.

The key is to start using the drops as soon as your lip begins tingling. That’s an early warning sign that a cold sore may appear in the next 4 to 12 hours, Dr. Rodu says. Reapply the drops every hour while you feel the tingling. It will help keep the sore small.

Other Wise Ways

Have a tea party. Like some over-the-counter (OTC) drops, nonherbal tea contains tannic acid, too. The OTC medications are more effective, but you may want to try putting a wet tea bag on the sore for a few minutes every hour to provide temporary relief until you can get to the drugstore, Dr. Rodu says.

Give it a frosty reception. If your lip starts tingling, put ice on it to slow the growth of the virus that causes cold sores. That should lessen the severity of an outbreak, Dr. Rodu says. Wrap an ice cube in a towel and apply it to the affected spot for 5 to 10 minutes, repeating about once an hour.

Lube up. Moisturizing ointments such as petroleum jelly can soothe the pain and prevent cracking and bleeding skin, Dr. Rodu says. Apply them as needed.

Play it safe in the sun. Sun exposure can trigger a cold sore outbreak. To prevent it, be sure to wear a lip balm that contains a sun protection factor of at least 15, Dr. Rodu suggests. Reapply it every hour, as necessary.

Bundle up on blustery days. Cold, windy weather is a well-known trigger for cold sores. Always wear a ski mask or cover your mouth with a scarf when the wind kicks up and temperatures tumble, Dr. Rodu advises.