Can emotional stress cause cold sores?

Possibly: Some literature links viral outbreaks such as cold sores to stress. Others dispute the connection.

Yes: It can in some folks cause them to appear.

Yes: The virus that causes cold sores is always present in our mouths. It lies dormant until your resistence is weakended. It is important to practice good oral hygiene and eat properly and get your proper rest. This will help prevent cold sores even in times of stress.

Cold sores: You can never completely get rid of cold sores. The virus lives inside your body and they surface whenever your body goes under stress, whether its extreme cold or emotional stress. Most over the counter medication claim to reduce the duration of the sore which is normally around 7 days. There are also proscription medication which are given in more severe outbreaks.

YES...: If you have frequent outbreaks & they are causing more stress it can be a vicious circle. Try asking your dentist or google laser treatment of cold sores. We are hearing about significant reduction in frequency of attacks & getting good reports on laser for cold sores from many doctors. This has been my experience with patients as well. Laser treatment results vary as each case is different.