I get cold sores from time to time and so I was wondering if a chemical peel would bring them out? I’d like to start a series of glycolic acid or salicylic acid peels.

Answer:

Cold sores can emerge from a chemical peel. The best prevention is to be on anti-viral medication from your doctor before you get the peel so they don’t appear. Cold sores are uncomfortable but they are treatable and preventable.