Sun exposure/HSV 1 Coldsores

[funinthesun]

Hi Terri-

I get a coldsore occasionally and have been tested as HSV 1 positive. I know that sun exposure can cause an outbreak and I am wondering if this sun exposure is solely for the FACE or AL Lover the body (I know the virus lives in the face, so this is why
I ask)? For example, would I be OK wearing a hat that covers my face but the rest of my body was in the sun with no sunscreen OR does my entire body need to be protected from the sun to prevent an outbreak (I’m talking strictly herpes/coldsores here and not skin protection that I know is important for skin cancer)? Thank you!

[Terri Warren]

The sun issue for cold sores is real as you know. And it applies only to the face, yes If you use a high number sunscreen or wear a hat, that is enough protection, yes. But of course you want to use sunscreen on other parts of your body as well for skin cancer protection, too.

Terri

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