Educating yourself and others about facts and misconceptions surrounding cold sores can help reduce stigma, improve management, and prevent transmission of cold sores. Always consult with a healthcare professional for advice, treatment options, and questions you may have about cold sores.
| MYTHS | FACTS |
| You Can Only Get Cold Sores on Your Lips. | Cold sores can appear on various parts of the face, including the lips, inside the mouth, nose or chin. |
| Once a Cold Sore Heals, You're No Longer Contagious. | Even after a cold sore has healed and the scab has fallen off, the virus can still be present and potentially contagious. It's important to continue taking precautions to prevent spreading the virus. |
| Only People with Oral Herpes Get Cold Sores. | Cold sores are typically caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). While it's often associated with oral herpes, it's possible for genital herpes (HSV-2) to cause cold sores. |
| Once You Have the Herpes Virus, You Will Always Have Cold Sores. | While the herpes virus remains in the body indefinitely, not everyone who has it will experience recurrent cold sores. Outbreaks can become less frequent and severe over time for many individuals. |
| Cold Sores Are Not Contagious Once They've Scabbed Over. | Cold sores are contagious throughout the entire outbreak, from the tingling stage to scabbing. Avoid close contact, kissing, and sharing items to prevent transmission. |
| Toothpaste Can Cure Cold Sores. | Toothpaste is not an effective treatment for cold sores. In fact, applying toothpaste may worsen the condition and cause irritation. |
| You Can Only Get Cold Sores Through Direct Contact. | Cold sores can also be spread indirectly through shared items like towels, razors, utensils, or containers that come into contact with the virus. |
| You Can't Prevent Cold Sores. | While you can't always prevent cold sores entirely, there are steps you can take to reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks. These include managing stress, getting enough sleep, and avoiding triggers like excessive sun exposure. |
Looking for options to help prevent transmission or further contamination?
If a cold sore has burst, applying a SMART Cold Sore Patch can protect the area from external contaminants and reduce the risk of secondary infection. It also absorbs fluid, which can help keep the area around the cold sore dry and clean.
