Lip tattooing, also known as lip blush tattoo or permanent lip colour application, is a great cosmetic treatment to enhance the natural beauty of your lips. It’s long lasting whether you want to improve your natural lip color or create a defined lip liner. But one of the biggest concerns for many people, especially those who have had cold sores before, is the risk of breakouts during the healing process.
Cold sores are small blisters that form on or around the lips due to the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). For those who have had cold sores before, the trauma of a lip tattoo can trigger an outbreak which can prolong the healing process and cause pigment loss. This article will guide you through the best ways to prevent cold sores after a lip tattoo and have a smooth recovery with amazing results.
Why Cold Sores After Lip Tattooing?
Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus which can lay dormant in the body for years. When the lips are traumatized, such as during a lip tattoo, this can activate the virus and cause an outbreak. The tattooing process involves using needles to deposit permanent makeup pigment into the lips, creating small wounds that need to heal over time. For those with HSV-1, this trauma can be a trigger for cold sores so it’s important to take precautions before and after the procedure.
Risk Factors for Cold Sores After Lip Treatments
The following are risk factors for cold sores after lip tattoo treatments:
- History of cold sores or herpes virus infections.
- Weakened immune system due to stress, illness or medication.
- Lip filler injections or other lip treatments done in conjunction with tattooing which can cause more trauma to the lip tissue.
- Exposure to cold sore triggers such as UV rays, cold weather or acidic foods.
Pre Procedure Precautions
Talk to Your Tattoo Artist and Doctor
Discuss your history of viral infections with both your tattoo artist and doctor. If you are prone to cold sores, your doctor may prescribe anti-viral medication such as acyclovir or valacyclovir. This should be started several days before the procedure and continued 3-6 weeks post procedure to reduce the risk of a sore virus outbreak.
Taking anti-viral medication before and after your lip tattoo is one of the best ways to prevent cold sores. Your doctor will likely prescribe anti-viral cold prescription medication or over-the-counter medication to protect against viral infections. Follow the recommended dosage during the initial healing period.
Aftercare Tips to Prevent Cold Sores and Speed Up Healing
Keep the Lips Clean and Moist
During the healing process, take good care of your lips. Use aftercare balm, like Bepanthan Tattoo or the recommended healing balm, to keep the lips moist. Lip balms with a barrier layer like Vaseline can add an extra layer of protection to prevent infections and promote healing.
- Don’t Touch: Keep your hands clean and don’t touch your lips as bacterial infections from person to person contact can spread cold sores.
- Use a Lip Balm: Apply aftercare cream or aftercare ointment as instructed by your tattoo artist. This will prevent dry skin and promote natural skin regeneration during the healing process.
Avoid Triggers
Certain triggers like spicy food, acidic food and excessive sun exposure can cause cold sores to breakout. During the days post treatment, avoid:
- Sun Tanning: Use a lip balm with SPF to protect the area from UV rays.
- Hot Drinks: Don’t consume hot drinks during the initial healing period to avoid irritation.
- Heavy Sweating: Activities that cause excessive sweating can disrupt the natural color and cause secondary infection.
Stay Hydrated and Rested
Proper hydration is key to healing. Drink lots of water and avoid direct water pressure on the lips. Make sure you get plenty of rest especially if you’re doing multiple sessions like 1-4 sessions for permanent lip colour treatments.
What to Do if You Get Cold Sores After Lip Tattoo
If you get cold sores after your treatment, do the following:
- Continue Antiviral Medication: Keep taking the prescribed anti-viral tablets or over the counter medication to manage the virus.
- Apply an Ice Pack: Use an ice pack to reduce swelling and discomfort. Apply it in intervals to avoid over cooling.
- Use Topical Creams: Over the counter creams like sore medication or antiviral ointments can reduce the severity of the outbreak.
Aftercare for Lip Tattoo Clients
Lip tattoo aftercare means avoiding certain activities and products that can mess with the healing process:
- No Booze: Don’t drink for 24-48 hours after the procedure as it can impede the healing.
- No Acid: Don’t use glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and fruit acid skincare products as they can irritate the lips.
- No Sun: Stay away from tanning beds and sun for 6-8 weeks.
- Change Your Pillowcase: Use a new pillowcase every night to prevent bacteria from getting into the lips.
Conclusion
Preventing cold sores after a lip tattoo is key to maintaining the natural color and longevity of your cosmetic tattoo. Take anti-viral medication, follow aftercare, and avoid triggers like spicy food and too much booze and you’ll be good to go with minimal disruption. Consult your tattoo artist and doctor before your procedure to make sure you have a smooth experience.
FAQ
Can I get a cold sore even if I’ve never had one before?
Cold sores occur in people who have the herpes simplex virus. If you’ve never had a cold sore, the risk is lower but irritation from procedures like lip tattoos mess with lip fillers can still cause sensitivity.What should I avoid during healing?
During healing avoid acidic food, excessive sun, hot drinks and touching your lips to prevent infection and irritation.
How long does it take to heal?
Healing time for a lip tattoo is 6-8 weeks. Understanding what is a lip tattoo can help you follow your artist’s aftercare plan to prevent pigment loss or infection.What’s the best aftercare balm for a lip tattoo?
A recommended aftercare balm or healing balm like Bepanthan Tattoo will keep the lips moisturized and protected. Your tattoo artist will tell you what’s best when considering lip tattoo colour theory for your natural lip color.Can cold sores affect the final color?
Yes, cold sores can cause pigment loss in the affected area so uneven lip color. Preventing outbreaks with anti-viral medication and following pre-care is key to getting the best results.
