(NC) -- Picture this. It's your 10-year anniversary and you come home to your loved one holding roses. Romantic, isn't it? Imagine this scenario without a kiss or caress.

Why must you say goodbye to romance? Three words: cold sore outbreak.

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and are spread from person to person through close personal contact, such as kissing. On average, outbreaks last 10 to 14 days and can cause the sufferer pain and itching, among other issues.

According to a recent survey, more than half of respondents said cold sores severely affect their social life and self-image. “When I have an outbreak, I don't even want to leave the house,” said Stephanie Dunlop, a cold sore sufferer. “I feel like people are constantly glaring at me, even if they're just looking over my shoulder. Not to mention I won't go near my partner when I have an outbreak.”

One in five Canadians is affected by cold sores annually, many who use topical and oral treatments (prescription-based and over-the-counter) to help manage outbreaks. Current treatments don't address the inflammatory process that underlies the sore development (the body's visible reaction to the virus).

Fortunately for sufferers, there is a new treatment now approved in Canada. Xerese (acyclovir 5% and hydrocortisone 1%) Topical Cream works in two ways – to stop the virus from replicating and causing an infection, while also working to reduce inflammation.

Xerese is indicated for the treatment of early signs and symptoms of recurrent cold sores to reduce the progression of cold sore episodes to ulcerative lesions in immunocompetent adults and adolescents (12 years of age and older).

Sufferers who no longer want to avoid mistletoe during the holidays, hide at home on a Saturday night or fear they'll never have the “Lady and the Tramp” spaghetti moment should speak to their healthcare professional about options to help minimize the body's visible reaction to the virus.

This copyright free content from Valeant Canada LP is intended for the media and can be edited at their discretion.