A 32-year-old member asked:
why am i getting cold sores? how can i reduce them?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. Heidi Fowler answered
Psychiatry 25 years experience
Triggers.: Triggers for cold sores can include illness, stress, fatigue, becoming physically cold, dry air, UV rays (sun), mouth trauma or one's period.Your doctor can prescribe valtrex (valacyclovir).
3179 views
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Similar questions
A 29-year-old member asked:
What is the cause of cold sores?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. Robert Kwok answered
Pediatrics 33 years experience
Herpes virus, return: Cold sores on the lips or near the lips, are usually caused by recurrent oral herpes virus. They start as a slightly raised reddish area, then form a cluster of tiny blisters, which break open soon, leaving a sore (ulcer) to heal up over a week. Sores appear more often when one is under stress or is ill from another illness. Younger babies with herpes should see a doctor when a sore appears.
6300 views
Prattville, AL
A 40-year-old female asked:
What causes cold sores?
12 doctor answers • 31 doctors weighed in

Dr. David Miller answered
Family Medicine 10 years experience
Herpes virus: Cold sores are typically caused by the type i herpes virus. It is very common and distinct from genital herpes, which is typically caused by the type ii herpes virus, although there is some overlap between the two.
5998 views

Dr. David Miller commented
Family Medicine 10 years experience
Provided original answer
It's such a common th
Feb 29, 2012
NY
A female asked:
Why causes multiple cold sores at once?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Morris Westfried answered
Dermatology 46 years experience
Herpes, low immunity: Oral antivirals will help, may need maintenance to control problem.
5512 views
A 49-year-old female asked:
What can cause consrant cold sores?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in

Dr. Michael Fisher answered
Dermatology 32 years experience
Cold Sores: Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (hsv). There are two types of herpes simplex virus: hsv-1 and hsv-2. Both virus types can cause sores around the mouth (herpes labialis) and on the genitals (genital herpes). Treatment can be with suppressive doses of prescription valtrex, (valacyclovir) 500mg to 1000mg a day.
5222 views
A 33-year-old member asked:
Any ideas on why i'm getting cold sores and how can I reduce them?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. Heidi Fowler answered
Psychiatry 25 years experience
Triggers?: Triggers for cold sores can include illness, stress, fatigue, becoming physically cold, dry air, UV rays (sun), mouth trauma or one's period.Your doctor can
prescribe valtrex (valacyclovir). Melissa Officinalis or lemon balm (cream) has been shown in European studies to help expedite cold sore healing. It can reduce healing time by 1/2. Studies also show regular use can help v recurrences. Brief supplementation
3179 views

Dr. Heidi Fowler commented
Psychiatry 25 years experience
Provided original answer
w lysine 1,000mg orally 3x a day at the onset, can hasten healing. Your dermatologist can provide laser treatments.
Feb 23, 2015
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Last updated Feb 23, 2015
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