Everyone Gets Herpes: How Celebrities Deal with Cold Sores

Herpes is a common viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).

Unfortunately, it has no cure, it is extremely contagious and doesn't discriminate between the famous and the ordinary.

The virus is extremely contagious and widespread, leading to symptoms such as unsightly cold sores on the mouth and lips.

But how do public figures, constantly under the scrutiny of the public eye, deal with it? Here’s how some celebrities manage their cold sores:

Jon Hamm

Jon Hamm, the actor and comedian, has been dealing with cold sores since he was a child.

He manages his outbreaks with antiviral medication and topical creams, emphasizing the importance of self-care to prevent the virus from flaring up.

Antiviral medications like Acyclovir, Valacyclovir, and Famciclovir are commonly used to treat cold sores.

These drugs can be taken orally or applied as creams directly on the sores.

They work by inhibiting the replication of the virus, thereby reducing the severity and duration of the outbreak.

Topical creams like Abreva (docosanol) can also be purchased over-the-counter and have been shown to minimize the severity and duration of cold sores.

Kendall Jenner

Model and reality TV star Kendall Jenner has discussed how cold sores affected her confidence in the past.

She manages her cold sores by avoiding stressful situations and taking lysine supplements.

Lysine is an amino acid that may help suppress the herpes virus.

It works by limiting the amount of arginine, another amino acid, in the body.

Arginine promotes the replication of the herpes virus, so by having high levels of lysine, the virus is deprived of a critical component of replication.

This can reduce the frequency and severity of herpes outbreaks.

Britney Spears

Pop singer Britney Spears has shared her go-to treatment for outbreaks: a combination of Abreva and tea tree oil.

Abreva, or docosanol, is an over-the-counter medicine used to treat cold sores.

It works by changing the cell wall of nearby healthy cells, shortening the healing time and soothing the burning and itching sensation.

Tea tree oil, on the other hand, has antiviral, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties that can be beneficial when treating a cold sore.

It can dry out an existing cold sore and speed up the life cycle of a blister.

Celebrities' Special Weapon Against Cold Sores?

TV stars also have another secret weapon against cold sores: expert makeup artists ready to conceal them before a public appearance.

Many celebrities use high-coverage concealers to hide cold sores.

A thick, creamy consistency will offer the best coverage. Choose a hydrating, full coverage, or long-wearing formula. Select a shade that is the same as your skin tone. Whether you’re a celebrity or not, it’s important to remember that self-care, appropriate treatment, and a good concealer can help manage outbreaks and reduce their impact on your life.

Nothing to be Ashamed of

Despite being a common health issue, cold sores often carry a stigma.

Many people feel embarrassed or ashamed when they have a visible cold sore, especially in social or professional settings. This can lead to feelings of isolation or anxiety. However, it's important to remember that cold sores are a widespread condition and nothing to be ashamed of.

In fact, cold sores are very common and are caused by the herpes simplex virus, which more than half of adults ages 14 to 49 have.

They are not a reflection of your character or hygiene.

Public figures, like anyone else, can feel self-conscious about their cold sores.

But by openly discussing their experiences, they can help to normalize the condition and reduce the stigma associated with it.

Remember, having a cold sore does not reflect on your character or worth.

Dealing with the Shame of Cold Sores

Dealing with the shame or embarrassment of cold sores involves a combination of self-care, education, and communication.

Understanding that cold sores are a common and manageable condition can help to alleviate feelings of shame.

It's also helpful to communicate with others about the condition, whether that's with close friends, family, or a support group.

As for minimizing a cold sore, here are some tips:

• Know the early signs.
  
  People who frequently experience cold sores often report that they can feel one developing before it appears on their skin.
  
  Symptoms typically include tingling, burning, or itching around the lips for several hours or a day before the cold sore appears.
• Keep antiviral medications on hand.
  
  People who frequently experience cold sores should have medications on hand to begin using them at the earliest possible stage of an outbreak.
  
  Cold sores respond to medications called antivirals, which work by stopping the herpes virus from replicating.
• Use antiviral cream.
  
  If you can’t make it to a doctor for a prescription, over-the-counter antiviral creams can help knock back a cold sore.
• Numb the pain.
  
  Over-the-counter pain reliever creams such as lidocaine and benzocaine can numb the burning and ease the discomfort.
• Moisturize.
  
  Keep your lip and mouth area moisturized to prevent the sore from drying out and peeling.

And most importantly, remember that you are not alone - millions of people around the world are dealing with the same issue.