A Dermatologist has cold sores but treating patients?

I am a board certified ophthalmologist in addition to being a fellowship trained oculofacial surgeon.  That means in my career, I have treated and seen many patients with highly contagious pink eye.  It is far more contagious than a cold sore.  I have never contracted pink eye.  That is because I am meticulous.  My office is spotless and we disinfect every surface after pink eye patients.  Most reasonable doctors with a cold sore might consider covering their face with a mask and explain that they are getting over a cold.  This one seems to be insensitive to these concerns.  I think it is reasonable and appropriate to form an opinion regarding their clinical judgment based on this experience. Finding a new dermatologist is a very reasonable choice.

Hmmm.
If you are having these concerns and feel uncomfortable, you may want to seek care from another physician.

No, it is unlikely that you would contract herpes from your Doctor. If you remain concerned, I recommend following up with your primary care Doctor. Best, Dr. Emer

Skin to skin contact is required to transmit herpes infection so it would be difficult to acquire such an infection from your doctor.  However, if you have such strong concerns you should consider finding another physician.  It is extremely important to have confidence and trust in your physician, especially when you are seeking elective procedures. 

Thanks for your question. The herpes virus is transmitted with skin to skin contact so you are probably not at risk of contracting it from him. If you are really that uncomfortable seeing this physician, though, it will be difficult to forge the type of bond with him that can lead to optimal care. Consider finding someone else whom you are more comfortable seeing. Best of luck to you.

Most likely you are not really at risk but it is obvious you are uncomfortable with this doctor so it would be best to change doctors