It’s that burning or tingling sensation around the lips that has many people running to the corner drug stores to buy over the counter medication because they know a cold sore is popping up. A cold sore is a fluid-filled fever blister that is caused by a virus in the body. Cold sores can happen at any time, though there may be some simple ways to prevent them.

Here are five simple ways to prevent cold sores from appearing:

1. Avoid stress
“Stress is a killer” is a cliché for a reason, and it is because stress can have massive adverse effects on the body. Cold sores are no exception. Living a stressful life may cause a cold sore into popping up on or around the mouth. Stress-reducing activities could include things like getting enough sleep, yoga, walking, and weightlifting. Practicing relaxation methods to avoid stress seems like an easy fix to prevent these little menaces from occurring.

2. Use sunscreen
Dermatologists everywhere urge everyone to use sunscreen when they are outside. Using sunscreen can help to prevent cold sores from appearing. One of the many causes of an outbreak is intense direct sunlight. For those individuals who spend a lot of time outside, this is an easy prevention method that protects your skin from burns and protects against cold sores.

3. Apply lip balm
Apply lip balm to prevent cold sores from rearing their ugly blisters. Buying a simple over the counter lip balm that has 3% beeswax is cheap and easy. These can be purchased just about anywhere. Try to find one that also has sunscreen in it. Lip balm will do several things for the wearer. It will keep the lips moisturized, offer protection from the sun, and lip balm can prevent cold sores from occurring.

4. Don’t share toothbrushes or personal items
Not sharing personal items, especially toothbrushes, should go without saying, but it might come as a surprise to know that many couples share toothbrushes. This nugget of information might also be a warning from the dentist. Don’t share toothbrushes or personal items because this spreads the virus. Things that many people share include cups, straws, water bottles, or forks. Even among family members, it is wise to designate personal items to individuals.

5. OTC viral medications Like Abreva
Number five on the list of five simple ways to prevent cold sores from appearing is to use OTC viral medications like Abreva. These easy-to-use ointments are purchased at the local pharmacies and do not need a prescription. Those who have suffered from cold sores know that the sooner they use Abreva, the faster the cold sore will disappear. Abreva is also a cold sore medicine for kids over the age of 12.

Lip sore treatment involves more than treating an outbreak after it has occurred. An ounce of prevention can go a long way to keeping cold sores from appearing at all. Stop the virus’s spread by employing any of the five simple ways to prevent cold sores.