Cold Sore vs. Acne

One morning, you wake up and find your lips are tingling, swollen and sensitive to the touch. Within a day, a pimple forms on or at the edge of the lips. Is this a cold sore or acne? Most likely, it’s a cold sore.

Different from Acne

The tell-tale signs are the tingling and the area where the cold sore is forming. Cold sores occur on the lips because herpes simplex, the virus that causes cold sores, lives within the nerves of the lips. It stays there dormant until the immune system lowers its defenses. This may happen due to illness, premenstruation, sun exposure, stress or injury. Then the virus awakens, travels to the surface, and starts multiplying. Tingling is the first sign that the virus is on the move. It fills up clear blisters on or next to the lips with replicas of itself. Another difference between acne and a cold sore is that this clear fluid-filled cold sore blister will usually have others alongside it. All of them will scab over in a few days. It is important not to try to remove the scab, or to burst the blisters, before they heal.

Herpes simplex is a very contagious virus during an outbreak. The fluid or the scab can transfer the virus to another person, or to your eyes or genital area. Cold sores on your fingers, nostrils, and chin are not unheard of. Within your mouth, if herpes simplex occurs, it is not the same as a canker sore. Canker sors form in soft areas, like the inside of the cheeks. Cold sores within the mouth form on the hard surfaces, such as the gums or roof of the palate. Herpes simplex can also travel to the esophagus and form lesions within. When you have a cold sore, it is important to
• wash your hands after touching your lips
• not share lipsticks or other lip cosmetics
• not share utensils, cups, napkins, or towels
• not kiss anyone, while you have a cold sore

Furthermore, while having a cold sore, you should avoid contact with a person who has a weak immune system such as an HIV/AIDs sufferer, any infants, or anyone with actopic dermatitis.

Antivirals will help reduce the length of the cold sore outbreak, but there is no cure for herpes simplex as of this writing. Antibacterials will have no effect on curing cold sores, and could make other infections (such as candida) even worse. Antibacterials are good for acne pimples.

Similar with Acne

Taking care of yourself will help both acne and cold sores. A good sunscreen should be used, even during winter months. You should NOT try to pop either a cold sore or an acne pimple. Remove makeup before sleeping and be careful with what else you put on your face. Overall body health translates to good immunity AND clear skin. So keep up with a regular exercise routine, and eat healthy high-glycemic foods.