What are the treatment options for cold sores?

Cold sores, also called fever blisters or herpes labialis, commonly begin with tingling or burning before small fluid-filled blisters appear around the lips. They then dry and heal. Treatment aims to shorten or soften an outbreak when possible, protect the sore from irritation, and reduce the chance of spreading the virus to another person or another body site.

Antiviral medicines are most useful when started early, often during the tingling stage. A clinician considers the timing, severity, frequency of outbreaks, general health, and whether the sore is near the eye.

Keep the area clean and avoid picking the blister or scab. Wash hands after touching the mouth, do not share lip products, cups, towels, or utensils, and avoid kissing or oral sex while the sore is active. Use a cool compress and choose soft foods if the area is tender. A pharmacist can advise on suitable pain relief or protective products.

Arrange a GP Consultation if outbreaks are frequent, unusually painful, spreading, or interfering with eating. Antiviral Treatment may be prescribed or recommended when the timing and clinical picture support it.

Seek urgent advice for eye pain, a red eye, light sensitivity, or blisters near the eye, because herpes infection can threaten vision. Get prompt help for widespread blisters, severe headache, confusion, difficulty swallowing, or sores in a person with significant immune suppression.

Medical review is also sensible when a sore does not start healing, keeps returning, or the diagnosis is uncertain. A persistent mouth ulcer or a crusted rash can have causes other than a cold sore and may need different treatment.

Ask whether the episode looks like a cold sore, whether an antiviral should be started at the first warning symptom, how to protect your eyes and household contacts, and whether a recurring pattern warrants a preventive discussion.