COLD SORE TREATMENT
WHAT IS A COLD SORE?
You could have cold sores if you notice a group of small, painful blisters (herpes simplex labialis) on the mouth or lips. Generally caused by a herpes simplex virus, they’re also known as fever blisters. Cold sores usually appear around the mouth and lips, but can also be found on the cheeks, nose, and inside the mouth.
Your first outbreak of cold sores is usually the most severe. As a result, your body develops antibodies to deal with another outbreak. Some people never have another infection, while others do.
HOW COMMON ARE COLD SORES?
Cold sores are a common medical infection that isn’t serious. The virus is often acquired in childhood, passing through the skin and lying dormant in the nerves. There are several treatment options for cold sore treatment.
ARE COLD SORES HERPES?
There are two herpes simplex viruses. HSV-1 causes cold sores, while HSV-2 causes genital herpes. However, both viruses can cause sores around the mouth, lips, and genitals during a cold sore outbreak.
COLD SORE TRIGGERS
Cold sores tend to develop when your immune system is compromised, so looking after your general health can help avoid an outbreak. Everyone reacts differently to stress, tiredness and infection, so you’ll need to observe your symptoms to identify your herpes triggers.
Common cold sore triggers include:
Emotional, physical or psychological stress
A high temperature or fever
Fatigue or general tiredness
Having another infection, e.g., a respiratory tract infection like cold or flu
Hormonal changes e,g, having a period
Injury to the mouth or lips
Exposure to strong sunlight
However, you may find there’s no obvious trigger for a cold sore outbreak.
There are things you can do to help avoid triggering a cold sore or ease your symptoms. Use an SPF sunblock in strong sunlight and avoid using sunbeds. Drink plenty of fluids and use an antiseptic mouthwash if brushing your teeth is painful. Avoid close contact with other people until your cold sores heal and disappear, to minimise the spread of infection.
COLD SORE TREATMENT
Cold sores generally develop around the mouth and lips. Once you’re infected, it can take up to 20 days for the cold sore to develop, usually close to the area where the virus entered the body. You may also experience swollen neck glands and muscle aches. Other symptoms include red or swollen gums or a fever.
WHAT DOES A COLD SORE LOOK LIKE?
Cold sore blisters are small, fluid-filled bumps surrounded by swollen, red skin. When the blisters burst and the sores start to heal, they appear as dry scabs.
CHECK IF YOU HAVE A COLD SORE
Cold sores develop in stages, so you can use a preventative medication to reduce symptoms before the cold sore develops. Here’s how to check if you have a cold sore:
1. Cold sores start with an itching, tingling or burning feeling.
2. Over the next 48 hours, painful blisters will form, and the area becomes red, swollen and painful.
3. The blister bursts, and fluid oozes out. This stage may last 2-3 days.
4. A scab will form over the sore but may still crack and bleed.
5. The scab falls off, and the blister starts to heal fully. This process usually takes 10-14 days.
HOW LONG ARE COLD SORES CONTAGIOUS?
Cold sores are contagious from the moment you feel a tingling sensation to when they’re healed. They can spread quickly, so always wash your hands after touching your cold sore and avoid kissing or sexual contact.
HOW LONG WILL A COLD SORE LAST?
Cold sores generally clear up in around 10 days, but this varies depending on your triggers and the outbreak’s severity. Fortunately, there are cold sore treatments that ease the pain and promote faster healing.
COLD SORE TREATMENT
There’s no cure for HSV. However, there are things you can do to treat cold sores if you experience an outbreak. Treating a standard cold sore is not essential, but you can reduce the severity and length of your symptoms.
IS THERE A CURE FOR COLD SORES?
You can’t cure the virus that causes cold sores. However, correctly using tablets and antiviral creams can help reduce symptoms and speed up healing.
HOW CAN I TREAT A COLD SORE?
Before a cold sore appears, you’ll experience a burning or tingling sensation on your face or lips. You should start using a cold sore cream or tablets as directed. If the blisters have already appeared, try cold sore patches to promote healing and protect the infectious area.
COLD SORE CREAMS
Remember, cold sore creams can’t cure the infection or stop it from spreading to other people. They can help prevent an outbreak if applied before blisters form but can’t be used on open sores. Apply the cream by dabbing and avoid rubbing it into the skin. We don’t provide cold sore cream treatments, but they may be available from other pharmacies.
COLD SORE TABLETS
Cold sore tablets are taken to treat illnesses caused by HSV-1 and HSV-2, such as cold sores and genital herpes. Your doctor may prescribe tablets if you have a weakened immune system or you have previously suffered from infections.
ARE COLD SORE TABLETS RIGHT FOR ME?
Cold sore tablets are generally effective but may not work for everyone. Your doctor or pharmacist will help you to ensure you’re making the right decisions about your health. If you’re taking other medications, a medical professional can tell you if taking cold sore tablets at the same time is safe.
MEDICAL INTERACTIONS
If you’re taking any of the following medications and intend to take cold sore tablets such as aciclovir, you must tell your doctor:
Cimetidine (stomach ulcers)
Theophylline or Aminophylline (asthma)
Probenecid (gout)
Mycophenolate mofetil (organ transplant)
Some HIV-preventative medications
CONTRAINDICATIONS WITH COLD SORE TABLETS
You should talk to your doctor about taking cold sore tablets like aciclovir if you:
are under 18
have a compromised immune system
suffer from kidney problems
are pregnant or breastfeeding
are an older person
You should avoid taking cold sore tablets if you’re allergic to any of the active ingredients or similar medications.
WHERE CAN I GET HOLD OF COLD SORE TABLETS?
Cold sore tablets are available from any of our local pharmacies. You’ll need a short consultation with our pharmacist first to ensure the medication is suitable for you. Depending on local prescribing guidelines and your medical history, your GP may prescribe cold sore tablets on the NHS. You can also purchase topical treatments over the counter.
CAN I BUY COLD SORE TABLETS?
You can purchase cold sore tablets at your local Amiry & Gilbride pharmacy. You’ll be asked to complete a short medical questionnaire, so our pharmacists can review it and treat you safely. They’ll prescribe cold sore tablets like aciclovir if they think it’s the right treatment for you.
CAN I GET COLD SORE TABLETS FROM MY NHS DOCTOR?
You may be able to get cold sore tablets on the NHS. Whether your doctor prescribes this medication depends on the severity of your condition, your medical history and the local prescribing guidelines. It’s a good idea to consult your doctor if it’s your first cold sore and you need treatment. If you’ve had cold sores before, the severity of the outbreak will determine the treatment.
CAN I BUY COLD SORE TABLETS OVER THE COUNTER?
No, you can’t. Cold sore tablets are only available on prescription from your doctor or pharmacist. However, you can buy topical treatments such as creams over the counter.
