☉ Doctors online now - 15 minute priority booking available
Cold Sores Patient Information Leaflet
- Cold sores are caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV).
- About 1 in 5 people have recurring cold sores.
- Cold sores usually get better without treatment in 7-10 days.
- Antiviral creams or tablets may help to reduce the severity of symptoms.
- These medications are most effective the sooner they are started after symptoms develop
What causes cold sores to develop?
- Most cold sores are caused by Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV1)
- Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV2) causes genital herpes but very occasionally can cause cold sores around the mouth.
- Most people develop their first cold sore in childhood.
- HSV1 is usually spread by skin to skin contact, such as kissing someone who has an ‘active’ cold sore.
- The first infection may not cause any symptoms.
- After the first infection, the virus may stay inactive, not causing any symptoms.
- Cold sores may be triggered by the following:
- Viral illnesses or other infections
- During menstrual periods
- Stress or fatigue
- Direct sunlight/UV exposure
What are the symptoms?
- A tingling sensation before the blister appears, around the lip/mouth area.
- Fluid-filled sores/blisters, which may cause pain/discomfort
- The cold sores may weep and then form scabs.
- Once they have ‘scabbed over’ they are no longer infectious and usually settle without any scarring.
Are cold sores contagious?
- Yes, they are contagious until they scab over.
- Skin-to-skin contact with the affected area should be avoided.
- It is important to avoid spreading infection to newborn babies and anyone who has a poor immune system/immunocompromised people (for example, those having chemotherapy for cancer).
- If you do not have any active cold sores you are not usually infectious.
Do I need any tests to confirm the diagnosis?
- Usually no tests are required- the symptoms and typical appearance of cold sores are enough to confirm the diagnosis.
- A swab can be taken from the blister fluid, which can help confirm the diagnosis.
What treatments are available for cold sores?
- Most cold sores will get better without any treatment in 7-10 days.
- General advice includes:
- Avoid touching cold sores, unless applying creams.
- Wash hands thoroughly after touching cold sores
- Avoid sharing lip balms/sunscreen
- Careful hand hygiene is needed if you wear contact lenses- it is better to wear your glasses when your cold sores are flaring up. If you develop any eye symptoms, you should seek medical advice immediately.
- Pain can be eased by over the counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
- Soothing gels or creams such as lidocaine (a local anaesthetic gel) can help with pain. These are available from your pharmacy.
Antiviral creams
- Antiviral creams can be bought over-the-counter at pharmacies and is usually applied five times a day.
- These treatments do not kill the virus but prevent the virus from multiplying and so they can help reduce the severity of symptoms.
Antiviral tablets
- Oral antiviral tablets can be used to treat cold sores.
- Their aim is to stop the virus multiplying and to reduce the severity of symptoms.
- Oral antiviral tablets may be prescribed if you have:
- Severe cold sore infections
- Recurrent cold sore infections
- A weak immune system
Treatment for cold sores is available at qoctor.com.au
