HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Cold Sores?

default
Posted on Tue, 18 Mar 2014
Question: My granddaughter who is only 6 years old gets often cold sores. What do you think? Worried grandmother
doctor
Answered by Dr. E Venkata Ramana (36 minutes later)
Brief Answer: they heal spontaneously. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for your query on Healthcare Magic. The cold sores are caused by a virus known as Herpes Simplex. The cold sores will come and go frequently because of reactivation of the dormant virus which is located in nerves. But usually the cold sores heal spontaneously within 7 to 10 days. If they cause severe pain or embarrassment, they can be treated by local application of ointments. This causes decrease of pain and severity of skin lesions but there is no permanent cure to stop the appearance of cold sores. For pain and fever, you can give Tylenol in prescribed dose. Therefore I suggest you to consult the Pediatrician if there is severe pain associated wigh cold sores to prescribe an appropriate topical ointment. Hope I have answered your query, if you have any clarification please let me know. Regards.
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. E Venkata Ramana

Pediatrician

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 3176 Questions

Ask a specialist now
premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Ask a Pediatrician
Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
backtotop2
What Causes Cold Sores?

Brief Answer: they heal spontaneously. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for your query on Healthcare Magic. The cold sores are caused by a virus known as Herpes Simplex. The cold sores will come and go frequently because of reactivation of the dormant virus which is located in nerves. But usually the cold sores heal spontaneously within 7 to 10 days. If they cause severe pain or embarrassment, they can be treated by local application of ointments. This causes decrease of pain and severity of skin lesions but there is no permanent cure to stop the appearance of cold sores. For pain and fever, you can give Tylenol in prescribed dose. Therefore I suggest you to consult the Pediatrician if there is severe pain associated wigh cold sores to prescribe an appropriate topical ointment. Hope I have answered your query, if you have any clarification please let me know. Regards.