What to expect from a GP consultation for cold sores

The GP may ask about tingling, blisters, crusting, pain, fever, previous episodes, and whether the sore is healing. A visual examination is often enough when the appearance is typical. The clinician may ask about eczema, immune problems, pregnancy, medicines, and close contact with babies or anyone medically vulnerable.

Treatment depends on timing, severity, recurrence, and your health. Antiviral treatment may be discussed, particularly when started early or when episodes are troublesome. The GP can also distinguish a cold sore from other causes of lip or mouth lesions and advise on protecting the surrounding skin.

Record when tingling or blisters began, how often episodes occur, and anything that seems to trigger them. Bring a list of medicines and mention pregnancy, immune conditions, or eczema. Avoid kissing and oral sex while the sore is active, wash hands after touching the area, and do not share lip products, cups, towels, or cutlery.

Use the treatment exactly as directed and avoid picking the crust. Keep the area clean and ask which pain relief or protective product is suitable. If the sore is near the eye, do not touch the eye after touching the lesion.

Seek prompt advice for eye pain, a red eye, light sensitivity, or vision changes, because infection near the eye needs urgent assessment. Contact a clinician if sores are widespread, severe, not healing, repeatedly returning, or accompanied by marked illness. Get early advice for a newborn exposure or if your immune system is weakened.

Ask whether the lesion looks like a cold sore, whether an antiviral is suitable, how soon it should be started, and how to reduce transmission at home. Ask what symptoms would suggest eye involvement and whether recurring episodes warrant a prevention plan.