I used to get cold sore outbreaks as often as you do at the moment, and they would always show up when I was very stressed or a little under the weather. During a particularly stressful period, I had blisters on my lips continuously for about 2 months!
So yes, in my experience stress can definitely trigger them.
It's interesting you should mention kissing, I had the same thoughts. My boyfriend always has a bit of a stubble, it's soft, but if we do lots of very full-on, 'aggressive' kissing (you know the kind
) I can sometimes feel the tingling sensation around my lips. It also happens when my lips are dry and cracked, so perhaps it is something to do with the delicate skin getting irritated and therefore more prone to outbreaks?
I find that if I apply the cold sore cream
as soon as I feel even the slightest tingle, it usually stops the blisters from forming.
Important: when you apply the cold sore cream, remember to also put some on your face, along the nearest nerve, begin the application from that area, moving towards the blister (if you do it the other way around, you might risk spreading the infection to other parts of your face). So for upper lip it's the area around the side of your nose/cheek/under the eye; bottom lip - chin and jaw. You can google 'facial nerves' for pictures to get a better idea, it's a bit difficult for me to explain
.
If you feel the tingle and don't have any cream/plasters to hand, I find that touching the affected area for a few second with an ice cube, basically 'freezing it' a bit, tends to help as well.
Do you take any vitamins/supplements for your overall health? I seem to be getting the sores very rarely these days, it's only when I'm very run down/weak/extremely stressed. Taking a few supplements seems to have improved my general wellbeing and helps keep the nasty sores at bay too.
I hope you find a way to beat the bastards ;P Good luck!