Top Lip tips for Cold Sore Sufferers
Cold sores are highly contagious. Be prepared and follow these simple Lip Tips to help stop the spread to others and keep your lips in fine form.

1. Your Lips Need a Boost Too!
   A strong immune system will help reduce the risk of an infection like a cold or the flu, both of which can trigger a cold core. Eat a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables to boost your vitamin count. Avoid excessive amounts of alcohol and cigarette smoke. And drink up to eight glasses of water a day to keep you, and your lips, hydrated.

2. Do Your Lips Qualify for Stress Leave?
   Do lips feel stress? Whether it's work, or family-related stress, or simply trying to meet tax season deadlines, avoid stress and get plenty of rest. You are more likely to activate a cold sore when you are feeling run-down or stressed out.

3. Don't Expose Yourself!
   Whether you're relaxing on a sandy beach or skiing down a mountainside, exposing your lips to sunburn or windburn can trigger a cold sore outbreak. Use a lip balm with sunscreen to help protect your lips and lock in moisture.

4. Keep your Lips to Yourself!
   When you sense that first tingle, take cover and back off. Do yourself and your friends a favour - no kisses, no sharing lipstick or lip balm, and no sharing glasses. There will be plenty of time to catch up after the cold sore is gone.

5. Strike at the First Tingle!
   Cold sores first develop with a slight tingle on the lips and pain around the mouth. Know the signs and be prepared. Talk to your doctor about a new treatment for cold sores.

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