Are there any dangers associated with lip piercings and cold sores?
Answer Hello Ryan, Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are caused by one of the herpes viruses (“orolabial herpes”). They are frequently confused with canker sores, caused by a localized breakdown in the skin immunity but not related to an infectious agent. Both are painful nuisances! If you really have cold sores (herpes), having them every 2-3 months is kind of a lot for my taste. I would make sure that you receive an antiherpetic medication such as Valtrex or Famvir, as a suppressive therapy. Stressful events sometimes are triggers for herpes. Reducing and managing stress in your life may help to control the frequency of outbreaks as well. Herpes affects the margin and adjoining skin of the lip & nose (“nasolabial” area) but infects specific types of cells. It then retreats into remission along the nerve root. I would avoid lip piercing in the usual areas where you get outbreaks, and certainly avoid the actual piercing procedure at the time of an outbreak. Perhaps a good time
