I would recommend checking out the Herpes forum on this site. You will find a LOT of helpful information and a LOT of caring people.

Having herpes is not the end of the world -- whether it shows up on your lips or your genitals.

I don't have the kind that shows up on your mouth, so I don't know for sure, but I THINK you can take the same medicine (Valtrex) to help SPEED the healing and the time it takes to go away.

Also, if you get cold sores a lot, or like when you know you are catching a cold, you could take the medicine to prevent an outbreak (cold sore).

I'm sure the nice folks in Herpes will correct any possible misinformation here.

Good luck.