Summer &

Is the extreme summer heat causing your cold sores? Its very possible.
Cold sores are a pain, in more ways than one.  When your immune system is compromised, it is weakened. Everyday stress, hormones, or even environmental strain such as extreme sunlight can be causative factors.  Cold sore virus (Herpes simplex virus-1 or HSV-1) lies dormant under the skin, and can become active as a result of any of any number of triggers.  So why would the summer heat cause such a breakout?

Exposure to sunlight can damage the skin.  This is a common reason why people who are more prone to cold sores suffer outbreaks in the summer.  For a few, even the most minimal levels of sun exposure can lead to the feared “tingle".

Stress and exhaustion are never far away these days.  Laid back summer days are associated with relaxation, but stress is just around the corner.  With proper preparations before leaving on a trip, you  can minimize or eliminate the possibility of the dreaded cold sore.

Can foods ever be a culprit? In the summer we tend to eat more sweets and acidic foods such as pineapple, oranges, vinegar-based dressings, chocolates, even nuts that can contain Arginine.  Arginine, an amino acid with potential heart benefits, can also lead to possible cold sore breakouts.  So remember during these last days of summer, to hydrate and not go overboard on some of your summer favorites.

Painful, repeat cold sore breakouts? Come to our Dallas location and let us help you in finding a long term solution!