How effective is GP consultation for cold sores?

Cold sores commonly begin with tingling or burning followed by small blisters around the lips or nearby skin. A GP can ask about previous episodes, examine the area, and consider alternatives such as impetigo, mouth ulcers, irritation, or another infection. This is especially useful when the sore is unusual, severe, recurrent, or not healing as expected.

Advice may cover keeping the area clean, avoiding picking, easing discomfort, and limiting skin-to-skin contact while a sore is active. Antiviral treatment is most useful when started early for suitable people, so describe exactly when tingling or blisters began.

Record the first sign of the episode and any triggers you have noticed. Tell the GP about medicines, pregnancy, immune problems, eye symptoms, and how often episodes occur. Avoid kissing and oral contact while the sore is active, do not share lip products or utensils, and wash hands after touching the area.

Follow the prescribed plan and do not apply unfamiliar products near the eyes or inside the mouth without advice. Keep the appointment if the diagnosis is uncertain or episodes are interfering with eating, drinking, or daily life. Read more about [GP Consultation].

Seek prompt medical advice if a sore is near the eye, the eye is painful or light-sensitive, lesions are spreading widely, or you have a weakened immune system. Contact a clinician when sores are unusually painful, recurrent, infected-looking, or not improving. Urgent help is needed for vision changes or severe illness.

Ask whether the sore is a cold sore or another condition, whether early antiviral treatment fits your situation, how to reduce transmission at home, what to do during future episodes, and which eye or skin changes should trigger urgent advice.