Dear Mama Tenza: Chapped Lips and Cold Sores for 2019?

Dear Mama Tenza,
Every year, right after New Year, afta mi cute and clean an di gurl dem a swarm mi like when bees si honey, mi get buss up lip an cold sore! A wah cuda cause dis Mama? A wah, mi nuff fi sauve? How mi can fix dis please cause this cyan ketch mi February, Valentine’s affi sweeeeet!                             

 -Tear up lip Teddy

ADVICE
Easy nuh Cha Cha Boi! Ok Putus, firstly you should know that this happens to you at this time of the year, mainly because the season gets colder. In order to avoid and remedy your discomfort this is what I suggest you do.

• Protect your lips from sunburn: even though it gets pretty cold around these times, when it does get hot, it gets really hot! Seeing that our lips don’t have melanin to protect against the sun rays, use a lip balm, or petroleum jelly to keep lips moisturized.
• Don’t lick your lips: Licking them only takes away from the moisture and irritates the already blistered tissue.
• Avoid using toothpaste or other harsh acidic cleansers on the lip, they only add to the irritation. 
• Avoid salty, acidic, citrus food, peppers and alcoholic beverages or toners.

Keep in mind sehh yuh can spread cold sore germs yuh hear. Suh until yuh get rid of it, don’t kiss anyone, don’t share your cup, eating utensils etc. Drink lots of water so you stay hydrated and maintain a strong immune system by consuming vitamins A, C, B and zinc, herbs like Echinacea and garlic.
Enjoy 2019 Putus and remember to live well!