Cold sores are caused by a contagious virus called herpes simplex. There are two types of herpes simplex virus. Type 1 usually causes oral herpes, or cold sores. Type 1 herpes virus infects more than half of the U.S. population by the time they reach their 20s. Type 2 usually affects the genital area.

Some people have no symptoms from the infection. But others develop painful and unsightly cold sores that last for a week or more. Cold sores usually occur outside the mouth on the lips, chin and cheeks, or in the nostrils. When they do occur inside the mouth, it is usually on the gums or the roof of the mouth.

There is no cure for cold sores. Medicines can relieve some of the pain and discomfort associated with the sores. These include ointments that numb the blisters, antibiotics that control secondary bacterial infections and ointments that soften the crusts of the sores.

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Alisha Plotner, MD
4.9 out of 5

Alisha Plotner, MD

  • Dermatology
  • Physician

Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology

Accepting new patients
  • Officenter Gahanna
  • Dermatology in Officenter Gahanna
(614) 293-1707
Spencer Dunaway, MD
4.8 out of 5

Spencer Dunaway, MD

  • Dermatology
  • Physician
Accepting new patients
  • Dermatology West
(614) 293-1707
Mark Bechtel, MD
4.9 out of 5

Mark Bechtel, MD

  • Dermatology
  • Physician

Professor and Chair of Dermatology

Accepting new patients
  • Outpatient Care New Albany
  • Officenter Gahanna
  • Dermatology in Outpatient Care New Albany
  • Dermatology in Officenter Gahanna
(614) 293-1707

Our Locations

Dermatology

in Officenter Gahanna
540 Officenter Place
Suite 240
Columbus, OH 43230
614-293-1707

Plastic Surgery

in Eye and Ear Institute
915 Olentangy River Road
2nd Floor Suite 2140
Columbus, OH 43212
614-293-8566
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