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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Wart Removed From Lip - Cold Sore Developed?
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.
Wart Removed From Lip - Cold Sore Developed?
by HelpWithQuestion, May 14, 2003 12:00AM
Doctor:
I had submitted a question on 5/6 regarding a bump being removed from my lower lip and biopsied. It was benign and said to be a wart. At the time of my first question, I was concerned about scarring and healing.
A few days ago, redness developed around the mostly healed area where the wart was removed (not completely around the area, but around about 2/3 of the biopsied area). I could not tell if it was a cold sore (which I get occasionally) or infection.
I went to my derm. yesterday and he said we should treat it like a cold sore. He indicated that cold sores are often triggered by trauma, and the cutting of the wart out could be that trigger. It does seem to have the traits of cold sores when I get them.
He gave me FAMVIR 250mg to take twice a day for five days(never had any prescription before provided for cold sores) that seems to have a positive effect on reducing the size of the breakout (after one day). I tend to use Abreva when I get cold sores, which seems to help reduce the time to clear up.
I have 3 questions for you.
The first is do you think that it is a coincidence that I got the cold sore right where the cut was done?
The second is should I be using Neosporin to the area (doctor recommended that I do this), but I thought that letting the sore dry out would shorten healing time? I also thought I read that you should not use an antibiotic on cold sores.
Finally, do you see value in using Abreva?
Thanks for the support.
I had submitted a question on 5/6 regarding a bump being removed from my lower lip and biopsied. It was benign and said to be a wart. At the time of my first question, I was concerned about scarring and healing.
A few days ago, redness developed around the mostly healed area where the wart was removed (not completely around the area, but around about 2/3 of the biopsied area). I could not tell if it was a cold sore (which I get occasionally) or infection.
I went to my derm. yesterday and he said we should treat it like a cold sore. He indicated that cold sores are often triggered by trauma, and the cutting of the wart out could be that trigger. It does seem to have the traits of cold sores when I get them.
He gave me FAMVIR 250mg to take twice a day for five days(never had any prescription before provided for cold sores) that seems to have a positive effect on reducing the size of the breakout (after one day). I tend to use Abreva when I get cold sores, which seems to help reduce the time to clear up.
I have 3 questions for you.
The first is do you think that it is a coincidence that I got the cold sore right where the cut was done?
The second is should I be using Neosporin to the area (doctor recommended that I do this), but I thought that letting the sore dry out would shorten healing time? I also thought I read that you should not use an antibiotic on cold sores.
Finally, do you see value in using Abreva?
Thanks for the support.
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, May 14, 2003 12:00AM
, May 14, 2003 12:00AM
1. Hard to say. I agree with the dermatologist's approacg to treat presumptively, because there's no harm even if it isn't herpes, and if it is, treating right away is important.
2. Neosporin does sound like a reasonable idea.
3. Abreva does have data behind it to suggest it's safe and effective (although topicals are only somewhat effective).
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
2. Neosporin does sound like a reasonable idea.
3. Abreva does have data behind it to suggest it's safe and effective (although topicals are only somewhat effective).
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Dr. Rockoff