Cold Sores Advanced Dermatology
Cold Sores Advanced Dermatology
Cold Sores Advanced Dermatology
COLD SORES:
OVERVIEW
WHAT IS A COLD SORE?
NEWLY INFECTED
Most people catch the virus when they
are a child. Not every child who catches
the virus, however, has symptoms. If
symptoms occur, the child usually feels
sick and has one or more of the
following:
Burning
Itching
Stinging
Tingling and the skin feels a little
numb
Throbbing
VERY CONTAGIOUS
The virus that causes cold sores is very
contagious, so many people get cold
sores.
OUTBREAK TRIGGERS
Some people have triggers that cause
outbreaks of cold sore. A serious
sunburn triggered this teen’s cold sores.
Stress
Fatigue
Illness, such as a cold, fever, or !u
Injury, such as a cut, to the area
where you have had cold sores
Dental work
Cosmetic surgery or laser treatment
Strong sunlight
Certain foods
Hormonal changes, such as getting
your period
HOW DO DERMATOLOGISTS
DIAGNOSE COLD SORES?
A dermatologist can often diagnose a
cold sore by looking at it.
HOW DO DERMATOLOGISTS
TREAT COLD SORES?
To treat cold sores, a dermatologist may
prescribe:
TREATMENT TIP
When applying medicine, dermatologists
recommend gently dabbing the medicine
on with a clean cotton-tipped swab.
OUTCOME
Cold sores cannot be cured. Some
people get the virus and have just one
outbreak. Others continue to get
outbreaks over their lifespan.
WHEN TO SEE A
DERMATOLOGIST
Some people need help to clear cold
sores. You should make an appointment
to see a dermatologist if you have:
Atopic dermatitis
A weakened immune system
because you take a medicine that
suppresses your immune system or
have a disease that weakens your
immune system
Close to your eyes
Happen several times a year
Lasting longer than 15 days
SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT