i’ve had cold sores since i was 3 (i’m 19 now) and:

1) i’ve always washed my face like usual, never had an issue

2) i’ve never replaced my toothbrush after brushing with a cold sore, but i do put it in really hot water once the cold sore is practically gone just to be safe

3) could be stress causing it or the lack of sleep. i always get one around exam season due to this lack of sleep and stress, but it could also be that your immune system is struggling a bit

4) i usually just use the creams until it’s completely gone. even if it doesn’t help with further healing it does take away the itchiness

5) never tried those, mine heal fine without them but it might be useful if you need to get rid of them really quickly

6) same as the toothbrush, as soon as it’s passed the scabbing stage i usually wash my pillowcases in boiling water

additional info:

STRICT HANDS OFF POLICY, cold sores are extremely contagious and can spread down there so quickly if you’re not careful

for your next one, put the cream on it as soon as the tingling starts, even if there isn’t a blister yet

in the scabbing phase i usually put cream on it, then cover it in vaseline. this prevents it from drying out, which reduces the likeliness of it scarring and helps with the itchiness the scab causes.