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Can a Chemical Peel Cause a Cold Sore?

I have a tendency to get cold sores and I was wondering if having a chemical peel can bring these out.  I am thinking about starting a series of glycolic acid or possibly salicylic acid peels and need to know.

Answers (26)

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Dr. Steven H. Williams, MD
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Dr. Steven H. Williams, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
4.6 | 81 Reviews
Answered on Dec 30, 2008
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Dr. Jerome Edelstein, MD
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Dr. Jerome Edelstein, MD
Certified Plastic Surgeon
4.9 | 236 Reviews
Answered on Dec 14, 2014
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Dr. Stephen Prendiville, MD
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Dr. Stephen Prendiville, MD
Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.8 | 167 Reviews
Answered on Apr 8, 2010
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2 people found this helpful
Dr. Houtan Chaboki, MD
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Dr. Houtan Chaboki, MD
Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.9 | 136 Reviews
Answered on Apr 8, 2010
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Dr. Armando Soto, MD, FACS
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Dr. Armando Soto, MD, FACS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
4.6 | 227 Reviews
Answered on Apr 1, 2010
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Dr. William Ting, MD
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Dr. William Ting, MD
Dermatologic Surgeon, Board Certified in Dermatology
4.3 | 16 Reviews
Answered on Mar 21, 2010
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Dr. William J. Hedden, MD
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Dr. William J. Hedden, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
4.8 | 544 Reviews
Answered on Nov 16, 2009
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1 person found this helpful
Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS
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Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
4.6 | 128 Reviews
Answered on Dec 22, 2008
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Dr. Ron Shelton, MD
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Dr. Ron Shelton, MD
Dermatologic Surgeon, Board Certified in Dermatology
4.8 | 56 Reviews
Answered on Aug 18, 2008
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1 person found this helpful
Dr. Michele S. Green, MD
Dr. Michele S. Green, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Answered on Nov 16, 2016
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More Chemical Peel Questions

Chemical Peel on Neck and Chest Area

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DM
David Hansen, MD

Chemical peels do very well for the neck and chest areas . You have to do a few or multiple ones though. I like the 14% Jessners solution + 15-20% TCA peels for the neck and the 14% Jessners solution + 25-30% TCA peels for the chest. Depending on the amount of sun damage etc..., a patient...

+17 answers

Which Chemical Peel & Concentration is Right for Me?

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Nelson Lee Novick, MD

For my patients, I refer to salicylic acid peels as "Beta Washes" to distinguish them from "Fruit Washes" or alpha hydroxyacid peels (so named because at one time the latter were derived from natural products, like fruits). Both kinds are superficial peels since they do not...

+4 answers

Do chemical peels work for hyperpigmentation?

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JM
Jason Emer, MD

Hyperpigmentation of any kind needs a combination approach of peels like Cosmelan; lasers like Clear + Brilliant, Aerolase or Laser Genesis; radiofrequency like Venus Viva; and constant skin care and sun protection. Bimonthly facials with SilkPeel DermalInfusion are essential to hydrate,...

+26 answers

Can I Get Botox After Chemical Peal?

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Jerome Edelstein, MD

Yes, it should be fine to get a Botox treatment after a chemical peel. If you do it in reverse then waiting 2 weeks is optimal.

+2 answers

How Much Does a Chemical Peel Cost?

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David Hansen, MD

Light chemical peels such a Jessner's solution cost $175 each and usually need 5-6 peels at 2 weeks apart. 10-15% TCA peels run about $250 each and need 3-5 peels. 20-25% TCA peels run about $500-750 each and most need 2-3 peels. 30-35% TCA peels run about $750-1500 each and 1-2 peels do great...

+23 answers

Chemical Peel for Face: Tips for Choosing the Right One

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RF
Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS

Our office has many different treatments for scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Scars require a combination approach using our HI DEF protocol which uses a combination of lasers, topical scar modulation, and RF treatments to pixelate scars, improve contour, reduce...

+13 answers
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