Now that we're moving into the warmth and promise of spring you could be forgiven for thinking that you'll be free of cold sores until at least the onset of autumn. Sadly, however, it is likely that you are wrong, for although most people are more prone to cold sores in the colder months of the year, they remain a fact of life, whatever the season.
Yes, they are uncomfortable, sometimes painful, embarrassing and more – there is no doubt about it, cold sores are a downer.
But at least they don't scar, right? Again – and please don't shoot the messenger – this another common misconception; cold sores can scar and, for some sufferers, they frequently do. The NHS says that "most cold sores disappear within 7 to 10 days without treatment and usually heal without scarring."
The key part of the above quote is the word "usually". For although cold sores do not necessarily scar, treating cold sores in the wrong way actually brings a very high risk of scarring. So, alongside using Herstat - a clinically-proven product for fast treatment of a cold sores - scarring can be prevented by not picking at the scab or blister.
It is hard to explain why people pick at their cold sores and every person is different, but the following are some of the most common explanations as to why people do it:
- Self-soothing – picking a cold sore can be a way, paradoxically, for people to comfort themselves.
- Anxiety – some people are so concerned about the appearance of a cold sore that they literally try and pick it away. This is a self-defeating exercise.
- Obsession – just as with spots, people who pick cold sores often do because of the manifestation of obsessive personality traits.
We understand it's all very well telling you why people pick at scabs, but it's not much use us telling you why if we don't give you some tips on how to stop picking. So, here they are:
- Avoid the mirror – avoiding the mirror can help prevent you from focusing on a cold sore and getting caught in the cycle of "inspect then pick".
- Remind yourself – it is important to remind yourself, whether through mental notes or even post-it notes around your house that picking a cold sore will only slow healing time and increase the likelihood of scarring. Getting a friend or family member to help remind you is also a useful idea.
- Visualise – by visualising the negative effects of picking – increased healing time, infection, scarring – you can help scare yourself into stopping
- Use Herstat – by treating yourself with our soothing and healing cold sore remedy you can reduce the appearance, discomfort and long-term impact of your cold sore.
There we are, that's it. Good luck for the spring and summer months and beyond!
