Cold Sores Treatment

Most cold sores heal on their own within 7–10 days, but there are situations where seeing a doctor is recommended. You should consult a doctor if:

• It’s your first cold sore outbreak and you’re unsure of the symptoms.
• Cold sores occur frequently or are unusually large and painful.
• Sores last longer than 10–14 days without healing.
• You develop a high fever, swollen glands, or signs of a secondary infection (like pus or increasing redness).
• The cold sore appears near your eyes; this can lead to serious complications.
• You have a weakened immune system due to illness or medication.
• The cold sores significantly affect your ability to eat, drink, or speak.

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which is highly contagious and spreads through close personal contact. Here are some common cold sore triggers:

• Stress and emotional strain
• Fatigue or physical exhaustion
• Illnesses like colds, flu, or fever
• Exposure to strong sunlight or UV rays
• Hormonal changes (including menstruation)
• Weakened immune system
• Injuries to the lips or mouth
• Dehydration or dry, chapped lips

Cold sores have recognisable signs and symptoms, typically appearing around the lips or mouth. Common symptoms include:

• Tingling, itching and burning sensation
• Small fluid filled blisters
• Blisters that burst and crust over
• Scabbing and healing
• Swollen lymph nodes, mild fever or sore throat

Here are some tips to prevent cold sores:

• Avoid direct contact with cold sores, no kissing, sharing utensils, or lip balms with someone who has an active sore.
• Manage stress levels with mindfulness, exercise, or relaxation techniques.
• Use lip balm with SPF to protect your lips from sun exposure, a common trigger.
• Keep your immune system strong with regular sleep, a balanced diet, and hydration.
• Avoid excessive fatigue and physical exhaustion.
• Recognise early warning signs like tingling and start antiviral treatment promptly.
• Stay well-hydrated and avoid letting your lips dry out.

Cold sores are usually mild and self-limiting, in some cases they can lead to complications, especially in vulnerable groups. Here’s a clear breakdown:

• Secondary bacterial infections: Blisters can become infected, causing redness, pus, or increased pain.
• Eye infections (Herpes keratitis): If the virus spreads to the eyes, it can lead to serious issues like corneal damage or vision problems.
• Severe outbreaks in people with weakened immune systems: Such as those with HIV, cancer, or on immunosuppressant medications.
• Eczema herpeticum: A rare but serious condition where the virus spreads to large areas of skin in people with eczema.
• Psychological distress: Recurrent cold sores can cause anxiety, embarrassment, and social discomfort.
• Scarring: Rare but can happen if sores are repeatedly picked at or become infected.

Yes, cold sores are highly contagious, especially when the blisters are visible and fluid filled. They’re caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which spreads easily.

Cold sores typically last 7 to 10 days from the first tingling sensation to complete healing. The duration can vary slightly based on individual health, prompt treatment, and whether it’s a first-time outbreak or a recurrence.

Preventing the spread of cold sores is important since they’re highly contagious, especially when blisters are present. Here’s how you can protect others:

• Avoid kissing, oral sex, and close facial contact while you have an active sore.
• Don’t share personal items like lip balms, cutlery, drink bottles, towels, or makeup.
• Wash your hands frequently, especially after touching your face or applying cold sore treatments.
• Avoid touching the sore, and if you do, wash your hands immediately.
• Use a separate towel or pillowcase while you have an active outbreak.
• Stay home from work or social events if your job involves close contact with others, particularly babies, elderly people, or immunocompromised individuals.
• Avoid triggers like stress, sun exposure, and fatigue to reduce recurrence risk.

Hola Health offers quick telehealth services often within 15 minutes from the comfort of your home. Connect with a licensed health practitioner 24/7 through an array of Hola’s services. These services include:

• Consult a telehealth doctor through an online doctor’s appointment, 24/7.
• Request a medical certificate online in minutes, school or university, carer’s certificate or multi-day medical certificates.
• Request an online script through 24/7 online prescription services. Get medicine delivery through online pharmacy delivery.
• Bulk-billed mental health care plans online available through mental health assessments from qualified online doctors.
• Quick after-hours consultations post clinical hours, on weekends, or on public holidays.