If you haven’t had one, you’ve certainly seen one. A big, red, cracking blister, burning angrily on the lip. A coldsore. Painful and pesky, and for the most part, reoccuring.

An estimated 1 in 5 Canadians get coldsores regularly, and on average, those who are affected typically experience about 2 to 3 outbreaks per year. Coldsores are considered to be a strain of the herpes virus, and are extremely contagious.

Those who experience coldsores frequently were probably infected by the virus as children. Unfortunately, once the virus enters your body it never leaves.

However, the virus usually remains dormant throughout most of the year - unless it is triggered by an exterior catalyst. Common triggers include stress, fever, menstruation, and sunlight.

However, there are some tips and tricks you may use to lessen your number of annual outbreaks:

- Use a lip moisturizer regularly, even when your lips aren't feeling exceptionally dry
- Take L-Lysine daily
- Limit your exposure to the sun and buy lip balm with an SPF of at least 15
- Get between 7-8 hours of sleep each night
- Make sure that you keep your immune system fully charged and do not get run-down
- Never go outside with wet lips
- Do not kiss someone else who has an active coldsore

Sandra (6) Paque
		About the author:
		I am an avid aerobiciser, thigh masterer, kegel clentcher and core ball balancer. I am just like you: a curious and (mostly) motivated woman who thinks she can (and will!) lose a few before my next family wedding or beach party. I am your sister, your mother, your aunt and your daughter. I will scour the fitness and diet landscape (so you don't have to) and keep you up to date on the latest and greatest bum and thigh disappearing potions. I hope you find my articles insightful and more than anything, motivating! NOW DROP AND GIVE ME TEN!!
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