Celebrities with Cold Sores: Famous Faces Who Get Fever Blisters

What are Cold Sores?

Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are small painful blisters that form on the lips, mouth, chin, nostrils, or cheeks. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1).

After the initial infection, HSV-1 stays dormant in nerve cells. Periodically it reactivates, causing outbreaks. Cold sores typically heal within 2-3 weeks without treatment.

Common triggers for flare-ups include stress, fatigue, sun exposure, hormonal changes, and illness. Antiviral medications can help speed healing and reduce recurrence when applied at the first signs of a cold sore.

Brad Pitt

Actor Brad Pitt has spoken openly about his cold sore struggles, with embarrassing paparazzi photos to prove it. He claims stress is often his trigger saying, “When I'm stressed, I get a cold sore.”

Photos from the set of the 2004 film Troy captured a prominent blister on Pitt’s lower lip. He was also famously photographed with a cold sore after his split from actress Jennifer Aniston.

Pitt treats his cold sores with Abreva, an over-the-counter antiviral cream. He applies it at the first tingle to help decrease healing time. He recommends Abreva to fellow cold sore sufferers.

Scarlett Johansson

Actress Scarlett Johansson has been pictured with multiple cold sore flare-ups over the years. Being in the public eye often causes her stress.

“I'm so self-conscious about [cold sores] that I want to die. I'm literally to the point where I will cry in public,” she told People magazine back in 2008.

Johansson uses prescription antivirals like Valtrex to treat her cold sores when they develop. She once tried an experimental drug to keep them at bay. Like Brad Pitt, she applies medication at the very first tingles to help reduce symptoms.

Hillary Clinton

Being in politics puts lots of stress on public figures like Hillary Clinton. Her cold sore breakouts have unfortunately been captured at inconvenient times.

During her 2008 presidential campaign bid, Clinton was photographed multiple times with large fever blisters. Images of her sore-lipped speeches fueled media speculation about her health during the primaries.

More cold sore spots were captured during her 2016 presidential run against Donald Trump. The stigma of herpes made the sores national news each time.

To manage outbreaks, Clinton likely takes prescription anti-viral medication. Keeping stress low during campaigns helps prevent cold sore recurrences.

Katy Perry

Pop star Katy Perry is among the many celebs who get cold sores. She has been spotted with fever blisters after concerts and public appearances.

Perry even referenced her cold sores in lyrics saying, “I bet that you never tell, That you get that cold sore, Every now and then on your lip, But you only feel embarrassed when it's there, Not when it's gone and dead and wacked.”

To treat them, Perry applies Abreva at the first tingle. She says prompt use helps decrease the severity and duration of each cold sore outbreak.

Rihanna

While on tour in Australia in 2013, singer Rihanna suffered a widely photographed cold sore flare-up. She tried hiding it under bright red lipstick, but was unsuccessful.

In paparazzi pictures, her blister is prominently visible despite the heavy lip color. That didn’t stop her from enthusiastically interacting with fans, however.

Rihanna may take oral or topical prescription antivirals to speed healing whenever she feels those early cold sore symptoms. Rest and limiting stress are also beneficial when possible for her busy schedule.

Julianne Hough

Dancer and actress Julianne Hough gets cold sore breakouts mainly when she’s stressed or fatigued. Paparazzi once caught her with a prominent blister while grocery shopping.

Hough told Glamour magazine she uses Abreva cream 2-3 times daily at the very first tingle. She claims it makes her cold sores heal a lot faster, often in just a few days with prompt application.

Keeping stress low, not picking her blisters, and using concealer help minimize their appearance during flare-ups. Hough recommends Abreva to fellow sufferers for speedy healing.

Jason Bateman

Actor and director Jason Bateman suffers from frequent fever blister outbreaks, including while filming projects. He’s been photographed on set with conspicuous cold sores.

During colds or illness, Bateman gets clusters of frustrating blisters. He uses Abreva and prescription valacyclovir (Valtrex) to shorten the duration. Rest and limiting stress also help prevent recurrences.

In interviews, Bateman has voiced support for more awareness about cold sores and less judgment. He argues the virus is incredibly common but unfairly stigmatized.

Miley Cyrus

Singer and actress Miley Cyrus gets periodic cold sore breakouts, some quite severe. Stress from performing and personal problems are likely triggers.

She’s been pictured with painful-looking blisters on her mouth that get magnified by media outlets. During a 2010 concert, she sang with a clearly visible large cold sore.

When not performing, Cyrus can take prescription antivirals to speed healing. Some over-the-counter treatments likely provide relief of her cold sore symptoms as well.

Renée Zellweger

Oscar-winning actress Renée Zellweger suffers frequent bouts of cold sore outbreaks. She’s been photographed on movie sets and at public appearances with obvious blisters.

To manage them, Zellweger likely relies on antiviral creams or oral medication. She tries not to pick the sores so they heal faster. Stress reduction between projects helps prevent recurrences.

Despite annoyance from cold sores, Zellweger generally seems unperturbed by the paparazzi catching her with flare-ups over the years.

How Celebrities Treat Cold Sores

Despite access to expert dermatologists and prescription medications, famous faces struggle with cold sores like everyone else. However, prompt treatment helps shorten duration and severity.

Common approaches celebrities use include:

• Antiviral creams like Abreva at the first tingle
• Oral medication such as valacyclovir or acyclovir
• Avoiding triggers like stress, fatigue, and sun exposure
• Not picking or touching the blisters
• Using concealer makeup to hide cold sores

The goal is speeding healing while minimizing pain and appearance. With diligent treatment, outbreaks usually last only a few days for most celebrities.

How You Can Avoid Celeb-Like Embarrassment

You may not have paparazzi following you, but cold sores can be embarrassing regardless. Here are tips to control outbreaks:

Take Antivirals Promptly

Starting medication at the very first tingles is crucial. Oral antivirals like valacyclovir and topical creams like Abreva fight the virus most effectively when applied early.

Reduce Triggers

Avoiding stress, illness, fatigue, and UV radiation can prevent many cold sore recurrences. Know your personal triggers and control them when possible.

Apply Sunscreen

Use a lip balm or cream with SPF 30 or higher to protect your lips. UV exposure commonly triggers fever blister outbreaks.

Don’t Share Items

Avoid sharing cups, lip products, eating utensils, chapstick, towels etc. to not spread the virus. HSV-1 is highly contagious.

Watch Your Diet

Eat more lysine-rich foods like yogurt, chicken, fish, and vegetables. Lysine may help prevent recurrences. Avoid high-arginine foods like nuts, soy, and chocolate.

With diligence, you can gain control over cold sores and minimize embarrassment. See your doctor for prescription medications and tips for your individual case.

The Bottom Line on Celebrities and Cold Sores

Cold sores are incredibly common, affecting around 85% of people. Recurrent outbreaks can be triggered by stress, sun, illness, hormone changes, and fatigue.

Many celebrities openly deal with cold sore embarrassment, especially when visible blisters are caught on camera. Paparazzi photos often fuel gossip and tabloid fodder.

However, prompt treatment helps shorten the duration of flare-ups. Antiviral creams, oral medications, and avoiding triggers limit severity of symptoms and appearance.

Having HSV-1 is nothing to feel ashamed about. If even the most famous stars get cold sores, you’re certainly not alone! With some diligence, outbreaks can be well controlled.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.