You’re either someone that’s okay with sharing lipstick with pals or you’re not. It’s a bit like double dipping food (a no from me).
But if you’re someone who’s pretty laid back about it, we’ve got bad news. A dermatologist has shared why you should never share lipstick – or even a pot of Vaseline – with a friend.
Dr Adel, a dermatology expert on TikTok, warns against doing this for the health of your lips.
In a now-viral video (pardon the pun), she says: ‘The herpes virus that causes cold sores is highly contagious and it can be spread through your saliva.
‘This is a sign not to share your lipsticks and lip balms or lip glosses with your friend.’
While there’s nothing wrong with getting cold sores – as many as 70% of adults in the UK get them – if you don’t get them, you might rather avoid it being another thing to deal with.
Sharing lipsticks can be one way of passing the virus on, given your saliva and germs are on the bullet.
Someone commented on the video: ‘Never again… thank you Dr Adel.’
Although another added: ‘Literally kissed my mum, a GP, as a kid. Had it ever since. Not such a big deal. People make it seem worse than it is.’
How to treat it
While not the end of the world, cold sores can be annoying and irritating.
They often begin as a tingling feeling, and the NHS recommends these dos and don’ts if you get one.
Do
- eat cool, soft foods
- wash your hands with soap and water before and after applying cream
- avoid anything that triggers your cold sores
- use sunblock lip balm (SPF 15 or above) if you’re outside in the sun
- take paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease pain and swelling – do not give aspirin to children under 16
- drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration
Don’t
- do not kiss anyone while you have a cold sore
- do not have oral sex until your cold sore completely heals as you could give your partner genital herpes
- do not touch your cold sore (apart from applying cream) – if you do wash your hands
- do not rub cream into the cold sore – dab it on instead
- do not eat acidic or salty food if it makes your cold sore feel worse
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MORE : MAC’s famous 90s green lipstick is back – is it still a big hitter with today’s beauty buffs?
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