$Unique_ID{BRK00387}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Tanning and Cold Sores}
$Subject{cold sore tanning virus Ill Defined Symptoms symptom virus viruses
viral Infections ultraviolet UV infection oral herpes sores recur rash
sunscreen}
$Volume{N-20, A-20}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Tanning and Cold Sores


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QUESTION:  I recently spent several sessions in a local tanning parlor,
despite the advice of my friends.  In addition to an improvement in my tan, I
also developed a painful cold sore.  Are these two things related, and if so
what should I do about it?

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ANSWER:  Apparently they are, for recent research has discovered that exposure
to ultraviolet (UV) light in amounts sufficient to cause a sunburn on your
face will also reactivate an infection of oral herpes, or a cold sore.  These
sores will only pop out in areas where they have appeared before, and so you
are not suffering from a new infection but rather from another attack of
herpes in a previously affected spot.  Herpes virus infections remain quiet
over long periods of time and only recur when the virus is stimulated to
regrow within nerve cells where it lies dormant.  Then the rash that signifies
the infection reappears when the virus travels down the nerve to infect the
skin.  You have two choices, as I see it.  Stay out of the tanning parlor and
do your skin a favor.  Remember the damage you do now may show up later in
life as a skin cancer.  If good sense can not prevail, then use a strong
sunscreen cream on all skin areas where you have previously had a herpes sore.
This may offer enough protection to prevent the development of the infection
and rash.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.