Cold Sores and Eczema: A Practical Guide for Active Families
A sore near the mouth can appear before a game, a family trip or an important workday. Cold sores and eczema are different conditions, and a painful new cluster of blisters should be assessed rather than labeled by appearance alone.
Cold sores are caused by a virus
MedlinePlus explains that cold sores are caused by herpes simplex virus, which can spread through close contact. Not everyone with the virus has symptoms. A clinician can advise about treatment and how to reduce transmission.
| Question or situation | What to consider |
|---|---|
| A suspected cold sore | Avoid kissing and sharing items that touch the mouth; ask a clinician for advice. |
| A newborn or person with a weakened immune system | Take particular care to avoid exposing them and ask their healthcare team for guidance. |
| Painful, rapidly spreading blisters on eczema-prone skin | Seek urgent medical assessment for possible eczema herpeticum or another condition. |
| Eye pain, light sensitivity or a sore near the eye | Seek urgent medical assessment; an eye infection can threaten vision. |
Plan for sports and personal items
Do not share lip products, bottles or towels, and ask your clinician and sports organization about return to close-contact play. A cosmetic moisturizer does not treat herpes. If you have concerns about a child, seek advice from their pediatrician.
See our guide to rapidly changing eczema herpeticum symptoms and returning to sport after an infection.
Dr. Arsy Hydration Recovery Moisturizer #003 is a fragrance-free moisturizer for dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin. Use according to its label and your clinician's advice; it is not a substitute for medical care.
Sources and further reading
Educational information from Dr. Arsy, not individual medical advice. Cited organizations and researchers do not endorse this product.