Skin condition
Cold sores & herpes
A plain-English guide from Dr. Auston Eckert — what the herpes virus actually does, and how outbreaks are managed.
What's actually going on
Cold sores and genital herpes are both caused by the herpes simplex virus, which is extremely common and stays in the body between outbreaks. Flares can be triggered by stress, illness, or sun, and while the virus isn't cured, outbreaks are very manageable — often preventable.
What tends to help
- Treating an outbreak early, at the first tingle
- Daily preventive medication if outbreaks are frequent
- Managing triggers like stress and sun
- A discreet, judgment-free plan
What I'd skip
- Waiting until a sore is full-blown to act
- Stigma and silence — it's a very common virus
- Unproven 'natural cures'
Talk to a dermatologist
Dealing with recurring outbreaks?
Start a visit — it's discreet and judgment-free — and I'll set you up with a plan, which may include prescription antivirals to treat or prevent flares.
Start a visit