This content was originally produced for audio. Certain elements, such as tone, sound effects, and music, may not fully capture the intended experience in textual representation. Therefore, the following transcription may have been modified for clarity. We recognize not everyone can access the audio podcast. However, for those who can, we encourage subscribing and listening to the original content for a more engaging and immersive experience.
All thoughts and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views held by the institutions with which they are affiliated.
Causes for Recurring Cold Sores
Cold sores are something adults get pretty often, but what should you do if your child has one?
Pretty much every adult has had a cold sore at least once in their lifetime, and 20% of us have had recurring cold sores. They come back all the time because of fevers, stress, even sunburns, and being exhausted. All of those things take a toll on our immune systems, and the herpes simplex virus takes that opportunity to pop out a lovely cold sore.
Cold sores usually happen for the first time after your child has had contact with somebody with herpes. Now, don't worry. It's not that kind of herpes that causes cold sores. Once infected, the virus lives quietly in the body unless it's triggered by something, and then another crop of blisters shows up.
Cold sores only happen on one side of the mouth and appear in a cluster. So if your child has a different rash around their mouth, it's probably not a cold sore. Just before a cold sore shows up, your child might have a tingling or burning feeling on the outer lip, and it's usually in the same place that cold sores have been before.
The blisters normally burst, scab over, and dry up, causing the honey-crusted appearance we all know. After the sores dry up, they aren't as contagious anymore. The whole blister dry-up process takes up to two weeks. So if your child gets a cold sore, what can you do?
Home Treatment for Cold Sores
Well, ice helps a lot. Putting ice on the area that is tingling can actually stop the infection from progressing and being a full-fledged breakout. There are several cold sore ointments available over the counter to try, too. You can put them on your child as soon as the small bumps appear to help decrease the outbreak severity. Petroleum jelly can help as well.
Cold sores are contagious while they are in blister form. It's the fluid inside the blisters that has the virus. This is important to know so that you can take precautions during the most infectious time of the breakout. While cold sores are painful, annoying, and unsightly, they are quite common. Tylenol and Motrin can help the pain. If your child gets them repeatedly, ask your doctor if they're old enough for anti-herpes pills. There are a few kinds, but they aren't safe for all kids, and they do require a prescription.
If any sores show up by your child's eye, that's a true medical emergency, and they need to get on this medication as soon as possible.
updated: May 12, 2026
originally published: December 11, 2017
More Answers to Your Questions on Keeping Your Kid Healthy and Happy
Latest trends and issues in children's health with pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner.
Learn More From Our Specialists
Diagnosing Strep Throat in Children
Does your child have strep throat, or is it just a common cold? Learn why accurate diagnosis through strep testing is crucial for effective treatment and prevention of further issues.
What to Know About Hair Grooming Syncope
Some children can faint while grooming their hair. Learn preventive measures and understand when to seek medical help if your child faints while grooming their hair.
Don't Skip Your Child's Doctor Appointments
It can be easy to let your child's routine doctor appointments slip through the cracks. But skipping or missing those check-ups can affect your child's health.
The Basics: Your Daughter's Painful Urination
Is your young daughter complaining about painful urination when using the bathroom? Learn about the most common causes of pain or irritation in the vagina or vulva, how to prevent them, and treatment options.
What Kind of Burn Is It, and Does My Kid Need the ER?
Learn the differences between chemical, electrical, and thermal burns in kids, and why first-degree burns can be managed at home while third-degree burns should always be treated as a medical emergency.
A First Aid Guide to Playground Injuries
Playgrounds equal fun, but also falls, scrapes, and the occasional broken bone. Learn which common playground injuries need a Band-Aid versus a trip to urgent care or the pediatric emergency room.
