Cold Sores Treatment

Cold Sores Treatment

Kiss cold sores goodbye with InstantScripts. Request a prescription to effectively manage and heal cold sores, ensuring rapid relief and comfort.

Relevant Services:

Speak to our doctors 24/7

dr-sarah

Dr. Sarah Cavanagh Chief Medical Officer InstantScripts

How our doctors can help

Referrals or tests
Referrals or tests
Management plan
Management plan
Medical information
Medical information
Treatment options
Treatment options

Need your prescription?

QR code on phone

Request to have an eScript sent straight to your phone and email.

Want your medication delivered?

Medication delivery

We offer same-day delivery on medication to select locations in Australia for a small delivery fee.

What are cold sores?

What are the symptoms of cold sores?

Cold sores start with an itchy and tingling feeling. They then form small, painful, fluid-filled blisters. Cold sores usually crust over and heal within a few days.

As well as a blister-like spot, you may also notice the following symptoms:

  • fever

  • headaches

  • sore throat

  • swollen glands

What causes cold sores?

Cold sores are caused by a virus called herpes simplex.

There are 2 types of herpes simplex virus. Cold sores are usually caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) causes most cases of genital herpes. However, both viruses can cause both cold sores and/or genital herpes.

HSV-1 is common in the general community, and about 8 in 10 people become infected with HSV-1 by the time they reach adulthood. Most people are infected when they are young, carry the infection for life. The virus can stay dormant (inactive) in many people, meaning that cold sores may never appear. You might have the virus without knowing you're infected.

Various factors can cause the virus to become active resulting in one or more cold sores.

When should I see my doctor?

You may need to see a doctor if you have severe symptoms (such as a large, deep or painful sore) or a weakened immune system (for example, if you have HIV or you are having cancer treatment).

It's also a good idea to see your doctor if:

  • there are signs the cold sore is infected, such as redness around the sore, pus and/or a fever

  • the cold sore isn't healing, it's spreading or you have more than one cold sore

  • your cold sore has spread to near your eyes

  • you get cold sores often

Cold sores, sometimes referred to as 'oral herpes', are small blister-like spots that appear in or around the mouth. They are caused by infection with the herpes simplex virus. There is no cure for cold sores, but there are ways to treat the symptoms and prevent new outbreaks.