You know it's rude but...

[MoonCat]

I used to have an outbreak right before my period. I also had to be careful not to accidentally scratch that area on my lip because that could trigger the sore. Haven't had one in a long time, likely because the hormones aren't as active anymore. Yay menopause!

[Golden Phoenix]

Herpes - many forms of it - now has an antiviral.

The virus has a nasty preference for hiding inside certain parts of the body where the antivirus can't reach it. I'd have to look up exactly where, but this is why it comes as a pattern of 'outbreak/rest period/outbreak'.

Inside the nerve sheathes/spinal cord if i recall correctly. (Also too lazy to look it up) Which is why you tend to have a more "localised" outbreak at the ends of specific nerve bundles rather than an all over body case, especially true for shingles.

[Sunshine]

Ugh...I have a burn scar on my upper arm... I quit wearing shorts sleeve shirts because everyone thought they could ask me how it happened, etc. I'm sorry you have to deal with that

[WishfulSpirit]

Little kids can indeed contract the virus that causes cold sores (Herpes Simplex). It's transmitted orally and usually they get it through an older relative kissing them (thanks Aunt Esther!).

On the Elderberry extract as an antiviral. I've never had cold sores but I do get colds a lot. Would it help with that?

[Seshat]

It can also be transmitted from the mother. Toth has had herpes from infancy, and it's suspected that he got it either during birth trauma or via the umbilical cord.

[BlaqueKatt]

Advice for autism spectrum people and parents/carers of such: try the lip-reading trick. Or try looking at the chin, or forehead, or the nose. Anything that is 'close enough' provides good 'fake eye contact' as far as the neurotypical are concerned.

Ears are really good things to focus on

[Kit-Ginevra]

I've tried that before.Apparently it's better to stare them in the face than in the chest :P

[WishfulSpirit]

I think I'm neurotypical as far as human emotional interactions go (ADHD and dyscalclia in many other areas) but I like the nose trick. Helps with if you get intimidated by stare-ers.