Tips for Dating with Cold Sores

Tips for Dating & Cold Sores

Dating, or starting a new relationship can be one of life’s most exciting times. It’s kind of like a really long road trip with the windows down and plenty of Instagram-worthy sights along the way.

But if you’re like the majority of the population, you have probably had a cold sore and you get them from time to time. However, that shouldn’t make a new relationship feel like it’s beginning with a big bump in the road. You may be feeling afraid of talking to your partner about having a cold sore, or even dating someone with a cold sore. However, dating with cold sores is possible, if you’re open and honest about it.

In fact, telling your boyfriend or girlfriend about cold sores is only as big a deal as you make it. Because the truth is:

Cold sores are so, so common

If you have a cold sore, you shouldn’t be ashamed because you’re not alone. The fact is, one out of 4 people have recurring cold sores.¹  So having a cold sore shouldn’t be a deal-breaker when it comes to dating.

Cold sores are not a serious medical condition

Relationships can become quite serious, but having a cold sore is not considered a serious health condition. Cold sores are much more common than you think. Most people contract the cold sore virus as a kid from an adult who is carrying the virus. Once you understand your cold sore triggers, they are much easier to manage.

Cold sores are controllable

You can’t control love but you can take some precautions to control a cold sore. Considering that cold sores are caused by a virus that means they are contagious. The virus spreads by skin-to-skin contact. Cold sores can be caused by kissing or from sharing objects like toothbrushes, cups, lip balm, or utensils. So, before you pucker up for your loved one, you may want to consider that you could spread the virus to them.

Usually a cold sore will go away on its own but you can speed up the process by applying Abreva^® Cream at the first sign, like when the skin tingles. Abreva^® is clinically proven to shorten the healing time of a cold sore.

Now that you know the facts, own it

Communication is the key to every relationship. So you shouldn’t feel uneasy about telling somebody you are seeing that you get cold sores. Having a cold sore is nothing to whisper about. It’s really no big deal. Occasionally you get one. You keep them under control. You know all the precautions. And if you have found somebody that cares about you, they will understand this. So don’t be embarrassed. Remember, you are not defined by your cold sore, and that dating with cold sores doesn’t have to be the end of your romantic life. For more information about cold sores, check out articles on the common triggers of cold sores, treatment for cold sores, and cold sore myths.