Cold Sore Treatments

Cold sores (also called fever blisters) are painful skin blisters on the lips caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). They can also develop on other areas of the face, including:

• the nose, 

• cheeks, or chin. 

Cold sores are common and not usually dangerous. They typically clear up within 7–10 days, but treatment can help ease the pain.

Treatments

Starting treatment at the very first sign of a "tingle" or itch—the prodromal stage—can significantly reduce discomfort and shorten the healing time. 

Our pharmacist-recommended antivirals, such as Aciclovir, work by targeting the virus directly to support faster healing and help you regain your confidence.

Prescription cold sore treatments we offer

Aciclovir 400mg Tablets

Aciclovir 400mg tablet is an oral antiviral medicine used to treat and prevent herpes virus infections, including cold sores. They help speed up healing, reduce pain and itching, lower the risk of transmission, and decrease the frequency of future outbreaks, particularly in people with weakened immune systems.

Cold Sore Cream – Aciclovir 5%

Aciclovir 5% Cold Sore Cream is a topical antiviral cream used to treat cold sores on the lips and facial skin caused by the herpes simplex virus. Early use can help reduce symptoms and speed up the healing process.
 

Possible Causes

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of this virus: HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 is responsible for most cases of oral herpes, which leads to cold sores. In some cases, HSV-2 may also cause oral infection.

Once infected, the virus remains in the body and can reactivate from time to time.

Common triggers include:

• Illness or fever
• Emotional stress
• Sun exposure
• Hormonal changes (such as during menstruation)
• Injury or irritation around the lips
• In some cases, outbreaks occur without a clear trigger.

Symptoms 

Cold sores usually start with a warning feeling before you see anything.

Early signs:

• Tingling on or around the lips
• Itching
• Burning feeling

Then:

• Small, painful blisters appear
• The blisters fill with fluid
• They may burst and form a scab
• The scab dries and falls off as it heals
• Cold sores usually clear up within 1 to 2 weeks.

Care and Treatment

Cold sores usually improve on their own, but treatment can help reduce discomfort and shorten healing time.

Pain relief
Topical numbing gels may help relieve pain or irritation. These do not speed up healing but can make eating and drinking more comfortable.

Antiviral creams
Some antiviral creams are available without prescription, while others require one. These help limit viral activity and may reduce healing time when started early.

Oral antiviral tablets
Prescription antiviral tablets may be recommended for:

• Severe outbreaks
• Frequent recurrences
• First-time infections
• People with weakened immune systems

Oral antivirals work by slowing viral replication and are most effective when started within 48 hours of symptoms beginning.

For people who experience frequent outbreaks, daily antiviral treatment may be considered to reduce recurrence and severity.