Swimming and Herpes: Can You Swim With A Cold Sore?

If you’re an avid swimmer and you’ve developed a cold sore, you might be wondering if it’s safe to hit the pool. The quick answer is that yes, you can go swim safely even with an active cold sore flare-up. You cannot spread the herpes virus through the water at the swimming pool, although you need to be careful about sharing personal items such as towels and goggles.

Can You Swim with a Cold Sore?

Swimming with a cold sore is generally safe.

Chlorine and other powerful chemicals added to public swimming pools are usually sufficient to kill the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), which causes cold sores.

Therefore, your open blisters are unlikely to infect other swimmers, and you're also unlikely to become infected by carriers of the virus.

Similarly, if you are taking a bath in a bathtub with soap, the virus is unlikely to survive.

The chemicals in the water may however cause discomfort.

Effects of Water on Cold Sores

While chlorine won't heal cold sores, it won't make it worse, either.

It may burn or sting like it does when it gets in your eyes if your cold sore is at the blistering stage.

Long periods in the water while swimming can dry out your skin, so it's recommended to apply a small amount of petroleum jelly or a heavy moisturizing ointment over the sore as a protective barrier before getting in the water.

Preventing Cold Sores While Swimming

If you regularly get cold sores, use antiviral creams as soon as you recognize the early tingling feeling.

They do not always work after blisters appear.

To reduce the risk of transmitting the virus, always keep your cold sore clean and dry.

You can apply a layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, to protect it.

Remember not to share towels, goggles, or other pool items with others, as these could potentially spread the virus.

Going to the Beach with a Cold Sore

Going to the beach with a cold sore is generally safe.

However, it's important to avoid direct sunlight on the cold sore as it can trigger an outbreak.

Using a lip balm with a high SPF can help protect your lips from the sun.

Also, avoid sharing personal items like towels and drinks to prevent spreading the virus.Swimming in the sea with a cold sore can be a bit uncomfortable as the saltwater might sting the sore.

However, it's unlikely to make the cold sore worse.

In fact, saltwater has been known to have healing properties, although it's not a guaranteed cure for cold sores.p>Excessive sun exposure can however trigger or worsen a cold sore outbreak.

The UV rays from the sun can dry your mouth and make your lips more exposed to the virus.

Apply a lip balm with a high SPF to protect your lips from the sun.

Additional Considerations

If you're feeling run down, aren't sleeping well, or your hormones are running rampant (pregnancy, menstruation, etc.), it may be advisable to wait until you're feeling 100%.

Your immune system will find it harder to fight off HSV-1 if you've been weakened in some way.

Also, be aware of other risks associated with going for a swim, such as the presence of parasites (such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia) in public pools.