For those who frequently experience cold sores, the thought of getting a semi-permanent lip blush tattoo may raise some concerns. After all, the last thing you want is for a lip blush procedure to trigger an unsightly and painful cold sore outbreak. The good news is that you can absolutely get lip blush in San Diego even if you're prone to cold sores, as long as you take the proper precautions.
Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). Once you contract this virus, it remains dormant in your body and can reactivate due to factors like stress, illness, or sun exposure, leading to those dreaded cold sore flare-ups on or around the lips.
While a lip blush tattoo doesn't directly cause cold sores, the process of getting one can potentially trigger an outbreak in those with the HSV-1 virus. This is because the lip blush procedure involves using a specialized device to deposit pigment into the lips, which can stress the area and signal the virus to reactivate.
However, there are several steps you can take to minimize the risk of developing a cold sore after getting lip blush in San Diego:
Consult Your Doctor: Before your appointment, consult with your doctor about taking an antiviral medication like Valtrex, Valacyclovir, Acyclovir, Famvir, or Zovirax. These medications can help suppress the virus and prevent a cold sore outbreak. Your doctor will likely advise you to start taking the medication a few days before your lip blush procedure and continue for a few days after.
Use Preventive Supplements: In addition to antiviral medication, some people find that taking L-lysine supplements can help prevent cold sore outbreaks by inhibiting the replication of the herpes simplex virus.
Reschedule If Necessary: If you currently have an active cold sore, it's best to reschedule your lip blush appointment until the sore has fully healed. Getting a tattoo on or near an active cold sore can lead to further irritation, infection, and potentially poor pigment retention.
Follow Aftercare Instructions: After your lip blush procedure, be diligent about following the aftercare instructions provided by your technician. This may include using a specific lip balm or ointment to keep the area moisturized and avoiding picking or rubbing the treated area, which could cause irritation and increase the risk of a cold sore outbreak.
By taking these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the chances of developing a cold sore after getting a lip blush in San Diego. And if a cold sore does happen to appear during the healing process, be sure to let your technician know, as they may recommend additional touch-up sessions to ensure optimal pigment retention and achieve your desired results.