Red mark on face, after cold sore healed?

[runnerwom]

I normally get 2 cold sores a year, normally from stress, I eat healthy, take vitamins, run, yoga, etc... I recently for the first time got a cold sore on my face above my mouth area, took forever to heal and I am now left with a red mark, which I have to cover with make up. Should I leave it longer to heal on its own or see my Derm Doctor?

[K_Pearson19]

Did it ever go away?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The lesion that you have described sounds like a scar with post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The treatment for post inflammatory hyperpigmentation includes various skin creams like hydroquinone, azelaic acid, corticosteroids, tretinoin cream and laser treatment. But use them after a dermatologist’s guidance. If it still persists then you can go in for laser treatment, Chemical peeling or microdermabrasion. Avoid picking, harsh scrubbing, and abrasive treatments unless prescribed by a dermatologist during this period.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.