cold sore + cycling
 

i know this sounds kind of weird but...ive noticed that after a hard day of cycling, i tend to break out with a cold sore on the corner of my mouth...i think it may be because of the dryness? has anyone else experienced this?

It could be that after a hard ride your whole system is taxed to the point where you become more susceptible to a cold sore and an outbreak occurs.

I've never got one after a ride, but I have when under huge amounts of other kinds of stress or when I'm very ill. I can see where a particularly strenuous ride could do it though.

I have often had this happen to me, although the sore may be anywhere on the lip.

Using a 'lip balm' with an SPF (sun protection factor) seems to help.

If I neglect to use the balm and then get the sore, I treat it by applying 'rubbing alcohol' with a O-tip.

the virus is always present in those who get or have gotten cold sores. when the body immune system is weakend the virus attacks. using lip balm to protect the lips from physical stress and proper recvoery after a ride can help limit the outbreaks.

later.

Do you reward yourself after long rides with hookers and blow???

Seriously though, I've noticed that when my body has been mentally or physically taxed I am more prone to canker sores. aham has got the right idea.

Sun will trigger outbreaks in some people so use a lip balm with a high spf (like 30).

Outbreaks are also linked to dehydration.

There's some relatively new stuff out called Viroxyn. I have not tried it but a friend seemed to think it helped her. It's kind of expensive so I would only buy some for a severe case.

My ski friends turned me on to Carmex <www.carma-labs.com> years ago.

i think i really get them when i dehydrate...i noticed on the day before the sore showed up, my lips got that pasty white when riding...so i dont think i was drinking enough...