ThanksDoc
Sign in
Skip to content

Cold sores

Small painful blisters around the lips. Common, and treatable when they flare.

Speak to a GP about cold soresFrom £79

In short

Cold sores are common and usually heal on their own, but antiviral treatment, especially started early, shortens severe or frequent outbreaks. A GP can prescribe and set up a preventive plan where needed.

Overview

What is cold sores?

Cold sores are small, painful blisters around the lips caused by the herpes simplex virus (usually type 1). After the first infection the virus stays dormant and reactivates periodically, triggered by things like sunlight, illness, or stress. Outbreaks heal within 1-2 weeks; treatment can shorten them and reduce how often they happen.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

  • A tingling, itching, or burning feeling before a blister appears
  • Small fluid-filled blisters, usually around the lips
  • Blisters that burst, crust over, and heal within 1-2 weeks
  • Soreness around the mouth
  • Sometimes triggered by illness, sun, or stress

When to act

When to see a doctor

Book a GP if cold sores are frequent, severe, long-lasting, or affecting your wellbeing, or if you have a weakened immune system. Seek urgent help for cold sores near the eye, in a newborn, or with a high fever.

When to seek urgent help

Seek urgent help if

  • Cold sores near or in the eye, or eye pain and redness (possible herpes eye infection, seek urgent eye care)
  • Widespread blistering, or cold sores in someone with a weakened immune system
  • Cold sores with a high fever and feeling very unwell
  • Cold sores in a newborn baby (urgent assessment)

Call 999 for life-threatening emergencies or NHS 111 for urgent non-emergency advice.

Treatment

How a private GP can help

  • Diagnosis from your description and the typical appearance
  • Advice on over-the-counter antiviral creams, used at the first tingle
  • Prescription of oral antiviral tablets (aciclovir, valaciclovir) for severe or frequent outbreaks
  • A preventive plan for very frequent cold sores
  • Advice on triggers (sunlight, illness, stress) and reducing spread
  • Guidance on when a different diagnosis should be considered

What we don't do

  • Treatment of complex or immunosuppressed cases (referred on)
  • Eye involvement (needs urgent eye care)

Pricing

What it costs

An online consultation about cold sores starts at £79 for a 20-minute video appointment. In-pharmacy consultations are £129 and home visits are £189. Your consultation includes one private prescription if appropriate, and a sick note for work if needed. You pay the pharmacy separately for any medication.

See full pricing breakdown

FAQ

Common questions about cold sores

What causes cold sores?
They're caused by the herpes simplex virus, which stays dormant in the body and reactivates from time to time, often triggered by sunlight, illness, or stress.
When do antiviral tablets help?
Oral antivirals work best started at the very first tingle. They're most useful for severe, frequent, or prolonged outbreaks; occasional mild ones often just need a cream.
Are cold sores contagious?
Yes, especially when blisters are present. Avoid kissing and sharing items, wash hands, and don't touch the sore then your eyes.
Can I prevent them?
Using SPF lip balm, managing stress, and starting antiviral cream at the first tingle help. For very frequent outbreaks, we can discuss preventive tablets.
See all conditions we can help with

Ready to talk to a GP about cold sores?

Message Emily on WhatsApp or book online in under 90 seconds. UK-registered doctors, available today.

Start on WhatsApp

7 days a week · 08:00–22:00 · WhatsApp or email