Do lysine and spf lip balm actually help prevent my cold sores from coming back?
I get a fever blister on my lip a few times a year, usually after a stressful week or a sunny weekend, and I am tired of guessing. I already keep abreva on hand for when I feel that tingle, but I would rather stop them before they start. Has anyone had luck with lysine, spf lip balm, or just better habits like sleep and hydration? I also deal with chapped lips in winter and wonder if that makes things worse.
For me sun is the biggest trigger, so I wear an spf lip balm every day and reapply after eating, and my flare ups got way less frequent. Keeping my lips from getting chapped in winter seemed to help too.
Catching it early matters most for me, I keep abreva in my bag so I can act the moment I feel that tingle. Also try not to touch the spot and swap out your lip balm after an episode so you are not reusing it.
I focus on the basics, regular sleep, managing stress, and staying hydrated, since runs of bad sleep are usually when mine show up. Some members here also talk about taking lysine as part of their routine, might be worth reading up on and asking your pharmacist about.