DEAR DR. GOTT: Thanks for your daily column and the many interesting cases you are kind enough to take your time to explain. I have to write you about my experience with cold sores in response to the reader who suffers from them.
I, too, had them for years, and nothing I put on prevented them. The sores always took up to 10 days to heal, and I would immediately get another one. My husband is a retired dentist who suggested not using toothpaste that contains sodium lauryl sulfate. CVS brand and Sensodyne ProNamel are two products free of the inactive ingredient. Since making the change, I have not had any more pesky sores. I hope this helps someone else.
DEAR READER: Low levels of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) are commonly found in shaving cream, shampoo and toothpaste. More concentrated levels are found in industrial-cleaning products, engine degreasers, carwash soaps and floor cleaners.
Research has linked SLS to canker sores and related skin problems. I wrote about this a few years ago. At the time, I knew of only one SLS-free toothpaste, Tom’s of Maine. I’m glad to see other manufacturers have made the switch. Thanks for the tip.
