Healthy Habits: Cold Sore Tips

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), the virus that causes cold sores, infects more than half of the U.S. population by the time they reach their 20s. A cold sore can be painful especially as it blisters and forms a crusty scab, and there are also emotional side effects of cold sores, particularly large, conspicuous ones.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for the virus. However, the sores can be treated. There are a variety of at-home and over-the-counter treatments available, including cool washcloths, drying agents like alcohol, stress reduction if you experience frequent cold sores.

Carmex has a new treatment as well. The combination of the three technologies found in TriPLEX™ Formula advanced technology allows this new formulation to provide cold sore appearance softening benefits. The first technology bends light as it approaches the cold sore, the second technology helps fill in unevenness of the cold sore, and the third technology helps correct the skin tone of the cold sore. The formula also contains a blend of silicone elastomers, commonly used in high-end skincare products, to give the product a smooth, silky feel.