Looking for somebody else who may have the same issue as me. I just got yet another cold sore. The second one in less than 2 months! Normally those stupid things only pop up about once every couple of years for me. Could this be from a lower immune system because of IP? Any tips on how to avoid that?

you haven't gotten a second cold sore - the herpes virus takes up residence in nerve endings (which is why they hurt so flipping much).

they're triggered - for me, common triggers are stress, caffeine, sunlight, and citrus (if i bite into a peach, it'll set it off).

what i find works - and it sounds hokey but it *really works* - is when i first get that itching tingle, i focus hard on it and keep thinking "i don't have time for this s--t - GO AWAY". if i miss and i bite it (cause it's itching) i'll have to deal with the blisters but even then, the mental exercise thing cuts healing time down to 2-3 days.

My trigger is usually a fever. I understand how these things work, but what I can't explain is why they are popping up now when I'm not sick... Anyone?

Threenorns, thanks for the input. I'll keep cursing at them! I'm happy to give that a shot

No. Since ip mine have improved (knock on wood)

I don't get out-facing cold sores but I get canker sores on the inside of my mouth. They are essentially the same thing and very irritating. Mine are usually brought on by extreme stress like when I'm sick or when a family member was dying. And yes I'm getting them while on IP. There are some stresses that your body is experiencing causing your cold sore to break out. Dr. Tran's book says that losing weight isn't natural, your body doesn't want to do it. So it gets stressed. Your mind might be in the same stressful place - I really want to cheat and it looks so good but no I shouldn't and on and on . . .

I like what threenorns said, use your mind to help control it. Your mind is a powerful tool and can help or hinder the situation depending how you use it.

Canker sores and cold sores are not the same. Cold sores are herpes simplex virus. Canker sores have an unkown cause.

You can take Lysine 500 or 1000mgs + when you feel one coming on or even everyday to prevent them. It's an amino acid and it can be found in the vitamin/supplement section.

If you have severe problems or the Lysine isn't enough you can get a scrip from your doctor for Valtrex. That works for all cold sores.

You need to go to a good pharmacy and ask for the pill form of Lactinex. The pharmacist keeps in behind the counter. It has been on the market for literally decades.

I get cold sores now and then, but I don't believe it is linked in any way with being on IP.

Many people have noticed that they had a much better immune system while on IP and I am one of them, I feel I am way better physically and mentally when I am on IP.

I use Zovirax cream for them or over the counter medication, but yes I do know the feeling that it hurts and it sucks!

Hope you'll feel better soon.

Thanks so much, everyone. I guess I've had some extra stress lately with work, maybe that's the cause. I've been using the abreva, and this one isn't nearly as painful as the last. Cursing at it a lot as well might be helping. I'll get the lysine and talk to my doc. Thanks again!

My sister and I both ended up with cold sores a month or 2 after starting IP. I usually only get them when I'm extra tired or under stress so I think it might've been related to the diet somehow. We've been taking 500 mg of Lysine every day and haven't had any problems with them since.