When looking for a skin care professional to treat your cold sores it is important to look for someone who is familiar with the condition and who has experience treating other cold sore cases. A treatment provider that has extensive knowledge about the herpes simplex virus will have a better idea of what types of treatments work best for cold sores and which ones don't. They can also recommend some prevention techniques that can decrease the frequency of your outbreaks.
It is also important to choose a specialist who has a high level of training and education in skin care. This can be very helpful if you develop other skin conditions or bacterial infections as a result of your outbreak. A skin care specialist will have the expertise to be able to effectively treat those skin ailments and help prevent any permanent damage to your skin.
You should also look for a treatment provider that makes you feel like a valued client rather than a number. This type of practitioner is someone who will take the time to truly listen to your concerns and answer all of your questions regarding your condition and treatment. When you feel comfortable with a skin care practitioner you become more open to discussing your worries and asking the important questions regarding your treatment plan.
An excellent skin care practitioner will also help you develop realistic expectations about your treatment process. They should explain to you that the herpes simplex 1 virus is a lifetime battle and that your treatment plan can help reduce outbreaks and cold sore symptoms, but cannot completely eliminate them.