Cold Sores

Overview

Cold sores are small, fluid-filled blisters that typically appear around the lips or mouth, caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). They are common, highly contagious, and often triggered by stress, illness, fatigue, or even changes in the weather. While harmless, cold sores can be painful, unsightly, and emotionally distressing — especially as they tend to appear at the most inconvenient times.

Although there’s no cure for the herpes virus, treatment can shorten outbreaks, reduce discomfort, and help you regain confidence. At SwiftMedi, treatment suitability will always be assessed by a UK-registered prescriber following a secure online consultation.

Symptoms

Cold sores usually develop in stages:

• Tingling or burning sensation (before blisters appear)
• Red, painful blisters filled with fluid around the lips or mouth
• Oozing and crusting as the sores break and heal
• Symptoms usually last 7–10 days before clearing on their own

Some people may also experience:

• Soreness when eating or drinking
• Swollen glands
• Fever or flu-like symptoms (rare, in severe outbreaks)

Diagnosis

Most people recognise cold sores from their typical appearance and tingling sensation before they develop. No formal test is usually required. If sores are unusually severe, frequent, or occur in unusual places (such as the eyes or genitals), medical assessment is important.

Treatments

Cold sores cannot be permanently cured, but treatment helps manage outbreaks:

• Antiviral creams (e.g., aciclovir cream) – best when applied at the tingling stage, can shorten healing time
• Antiviral tablets (e.g., aciclovir, valaciclovir) – often prescribed for severe or frequent outbreaks, reducing duration and intensity
• Pain relief – over-the-counter gels or patches to ease soreness

At SwiftMedi, our prescribers can supply prescription antiviral medication where clinically appropriate, helping to reduce both the discomfort and the visibility of outbreaks.

Prevention

While outbreaks can’t always be prevented, you can reduce the risk by:

• Avoiding known triggers (stress, fatigue, sun exposure)
• Using lip balm with SPF protection
• Eating a healthy diet and maintaining strong immunity
• Avoiding close contact (like kissing) during an active outbreak
• Not sharing cutlery, towels, or lip products

Misconceptions

“Cold sores only spread when you can see the blister.”
False — the virus can spread even before a blister is visible.

“Only people with poor hygiene get cold sores.”
False — cold sores are caused by a virus, not cleanliness.

“You can’t catch cold sores more than once.”
False — the virus stays in the body for life and can reactivate at any time.

FAQ

What causes cold sores to come back?
Triggers such as stress, tiredness, illness, and sun exposure can reactivate the virus.

Can I stop an outbreak once the tingling starts?
Yes — starting antiviral treatment immediately can reduce the severity and shorten healing time.

Are cold sores dangerous?
Most are mild, but severe or frequent outbreaks may need prescription treatment. If sores affect your eyes, seek urgent medical advice.

Can children get cold sores?
Yes, the herpes virus is very common and can affect all ages.

Is there a cure for cold sores?
No — but treatments help manage outbreaks and reduce their impact.