Skiing and Cold Sores

Remember that sun, especially at altitude, triggers cold sores. So protect your lips when you’re skiing, boarding, sledding, mountaineering, or snowmobiling.

Use tons of lip sunscreen or chapstick with sunscreen to prevent cold sores.

And take your prescription for Famvir or Valtrex twice a day for 5 days at the first sign of a cold sore. Call your primary care or dermatologist for a prescription if you don’t have one. Take it with you when you travel!

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

  • All our content is written and researched by myself.
  • My medical office in Seattle has treated thousands of patients for 15+ years.
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