It was a regular day in April 2024 when I first noticed something unusual. A subtle itchiness and dryness lingered on my lip line. At first, I didn’t pay much attention, assuming it was a temporary feeling and that applying lip balm would help. But as the discomfort persisted, I finally looked at my lips in the mirror and found many small bumps.
What are cold sores?
When I searched online, I quickly discovered that I had cold sores—a common skin infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. Approximately 7 in 10 people in the UK carry this virus. What surprised me most was learning that cold sore symptoms are often triggered by stress. The advice seemed simple enough: use an over-the-counter cream and live a healthier, stress-free life. It sounded easy to manage—until I realised it wasn’t.
The cold sores lingered for nearly four weeks. While the over-the-counter cream initially seemed to help, it left my skin barrier damaged. At one point, I couldn’t tell whether the redness was caused by the cold sores themselves or the treatment I was using. Just as I thought I was healing, the cold sores reappeared a month later, leaving me feeling defeated.
By the time I decided to visit my GP, it was already September and I had been battling monthly outbreaks for several months. Although I’d learnt to manage the symptoms and speed up the healing process, the constant recurrence left me feeling hopeless and frustrated. I thought that I would have to deal with this for the rest of my life. My lips were perpetually red, dry, and prone to cracking, and the itchiness and burning sensation tested my patience daily.
During my appointment, the GP confirmed what I already suspected: antiviral medication could help, but it came with side effects like nausea and headaches. “We only prescribe it for severe cases,” he explained. His advice mirrored what I had read online: live healthier and manage stress better. While well-intentioned, these suggestions felt inadequate for addressing the relentless impact the cold sores were having on my confidence and quality of life.
It was my mental health that triggered the cold sores…
A month after my GP appointment, I caught a seasonal cold and developed a fever. This time, I knew that flare-ups were likely to happen. But I wasn’t prepared for how weakened my immune system would be, creating the worst for my skin.
While the cold sore itself disappeared quickly, the damage it left behind was far worse. The skin on my lip line became painfully red, itchy, and flaky. Simple movements like smiling or opening my mouth felt impossible because the corners of my lips would crack so easily. The discomfort was relentless.
Despite my efforts to live healthier, my stress management was far from ideal. I was juggling personal challenges, and the ongoing battle with cold sores took a heavy toll on my self-confidence. I avoided socialising and dreaded eating out because I felt embarrassed about the appearance of my red, flaky lips. Wiping away peeling skin after every meal was not only uncomfortable but made me incredibly self-conscious, especially in public.
I decided to stop the medication and switched to a natural Tea Tree lip balm. A week passed, but there was no improvement. Desperate for relief, I turned to a simple home remedy: a compress made with Dead Sea salts.
The process was easy yet transformative. I simply dissolved half a cup of Floatation Bath Salt Crystals into a bowl of lukewarm water, soaked a cotton pad in the solution, gently wrung out the excess, and applied it to my lips for about 20 minutes. Afterwards, I sealed in the hydration with a layer of Vaseline.
I committed to this routine three times a day, and the results were remarkable. After each compress, I noticed less redness and itchiness. By the end of the week, the symptoms had completely disappeared. Although my skin barrier still needed time to fully heal, I finally felt like myself again—free from discomfort and embarrassment.
Bottom line
While this compress didn’t cure the cold sores themselves, it provided immense relief, thanks to the incredible properties of Dead Sea minerals. It accelerated the healing process and significantly reduced itchiness and redness, making the journey to recovery more manageable.
Healing, however, is rarely a quick fix—it’s often a long and challenging process. Struggling with persistent skin conditions can be both physically exhausting and emotionally draining, taking a toll on your self-esteem.
What I've learnt from battling cold sores is that while medical creams might address the surface symptoms, they don’t tackle the root cause.
For me, true healing required a deeper approach—one that focused on calming my mind and body. I found that intentionally slowing down—whether through mindful walking, eating, reading, or even breathing—helped soothe my nervous system and supported my stress management. The results speak for themselves: the cold sores haven’t returned, and the skin barrier around my lip line is healthier than ever.
If you're suffering from sensitive skin conditions or dealing with cold sores like me, let this be a reminder: your mental health and skin health are deeply connected. Stress can worsen symptoms or trigger flare-ups. By prioritising your overall well-being - both mental and physical - you give your skin the chance to heal and thrive from the inside out.