Physical impact Before a lesion develops, sufferers can experience a tingling or burning sensation. The outbreak itself can cause throbbing pain, making normal everyday actions such as eating, talking, smiling and laughing uncomfortable. Because sufferers may worry about making the sore crack and bleed, they may limit the foods they eat and be painfully conscious of their facial movements.
	Emotional impact Self-esteem generally takes a tumble during an outbreak. Research shows that cold sore sufferers often feel out of control and lack confidence when an outbreak occurs. Moreover, they may only discuss their feelings with family and/or friends who suffer from cold sores.
	Social impact Interacting with others -- whether at work, school or other social events -- can be excruciating for some cold sore sufferers. They may become withdrawn, avoid having their picture taken and limit social interaction whenever possible. During an outbreak, sufferers may check the lesion constantly, to see how it is progressing and how it looks. Fear of spreading the virus to their friends, family and colleagues also contributes to social isolation. These behaviors last about 7 to 10 days, the length of time it generally takes for an untreated cold sore to heal.

Isolation isn't good for cold sore sufferers. First, it can increase self-consciousness. Second, discussing the outbreak only with family members or fellow sufferers can result in getting bad advice on how to treat HSV-1, which may make the outbreak last longer.

It's important for Pharmacists to ensure that their cold sore patients have the right information they need; because the cold sore sufferer's most important concern is to look and feel normal.

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