Kissing and cold sores
Unfortunately, kissing when you have a cold sore or fever blister outbreak should be avoided. The reality is, the HSV 1 cold sore virus is very contagious, and is spread through saliva or contact with personal care products such as razors, toothbrushes, toothpastes… basically anything the virus has touched. You probably knew this already, having cold sores, but its always a good reminder.
While kissing maybe off limits during an outbreak, we don’t need to avoid all contact. We just need to be aware how we interact with family, friends, and partners. First, do the things that reduce the pain and help you heal faster. There are many great LIP TIP ideas here, and treating your cold sore will allow you to feel more confident during a cold sore outbreak.
Relationship experts offer alternatives to kissing with cold sores
We asked some relationship experts their opinion on the topic and they gave us a few good ideas we thought we would share.
When interacting with family (or anyone you’re close with) resist the temptation to avoid all contact. It’s easy to feel awkward, but you can still show warmth. If you normally greet them with a kiss, try a warm hug or get creative with another type of friendly greeting. With people we care about—whether it’s a cold sore or strep throat—they know you’re watching out for them. Be confident and be creative showing warmth and it will transfer just as easily as a kiss.
As adults, we have many types of relationships ranging from casual to intimate. While “Parental Discretion” is not necessary for the next ideas, we’re going to focus on relationships that include some level of intimacy.
Massage
Couples massage, whether at a spa or at home, is an excellent way to relax, connect, and demonstrate intimate feelings. At home, set the mood by dimming the lights and use scented candles to ignite your senses. There are plenty of sites, including the ever-present Amazon, where you can purchase massage oils, massage stones that can be heated, great background music, and other accessories to make the experience more pleasurable. No experience necessary, just read up on some simple techniques and focus on sharing pleasure. Couples massage is a wonderful way to express yourself and tune in to your partner.
Other forms of touch
Another way to connect intimately without kissing is using “touch” or “caressing” techniques. Imagine you and your partner sitting across from one another, or one behind the other. Gently caress them everywhere using the “every square inch” concept. The enjoyment comes from focusing on your partner’s whole body, not just a few areas. Our largest and most sensitive organ in our bodies is our skin. Gently run your fingers lightly across their skin to create a relaxing but stimulating sensation. Slowly touch ears, neck, shoulders, arms, the small of their back, sides, the backs of their knees. All these areas… and everywhere else…. can sizzle with sensation.
The point is, you may not be able to kiss when having a cold sore or fever blister, trying different ways to connect may just ignite a new passion of creativity.
Disclaimer:
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
