cold sores

[trytosmile]

Does anyone else suffer from alot of cold sores since your IC started. I average one a week now. Never used to get them and now, YUCK !!

I hate them ! :cussing:

[hoping4acure]

not cold sores but cankers. I read that the reason why we get these is because we (IC patients) have VERY acidic bodies. Don't know if that's true or not.....but it makes sense to me.

[rhea]

I have suffered from cold sores forever-anything can bring them on, stress, too much sun, chapped lips...etc. From what I have learned the IC doesn't cause them, it is a viral infection, but some of the same symptoms that cause your IC to flare can cause the herpes to flare also. The best thing I have been given is Valtrex. If, when you feel one coming on, take 3 Valtrex for 3 days and it should, if not prevent it from breaking out, then make the cold sore itself be less and less painful...hope this helps a bit..

[Betsie]

I too was under the impression they were a sign of a viral condition. If they are persistent you should get them looked at. I think we file everything under IC and sometimes let things go. Herpes is a common viral infection (I forget whcih strain) and usually requires treatment if persistent.