Can you get a cold sore in the summer?
Ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your skin and trigger a recurrent cold sore. Go on the offensive against sun exposure with these tips for staying summer safe.
Sun is a proven trigger of cold sores. But that doesn’t mean you have to spend your summer hiding inside. Use sunscreen and a lip balm that provides broad-spectrum sunscreen protection.
Whether you’re jogging at the beach, hiking in the hills or simply walking to the local shops, keep in mind that sunscreen effectiveness can be affected by wind, water, humidity and altitude. Plus you can sweat or lick your lip balm off without realising it – so reapply often.
Cloudy days are not your ally in the battle against cold sores because those are the times when you may forget to wear your lip balm and sunscreen. Remember that UV rays penetrate clouds.
Of course, the best protection against the sun is to cover up. Find a hat that you like and wear it, often!