When should I see a doctor about a cold sore?
We will describe when should I see a doctor about a cold sore.
Cold sores are common and usually clear up on their own within 10 days. But there are things you can do to help ease the pain.
Typical cold sore
See a doctor if the cold sore has not started to heal within 10 days.
What is a cold sore?
Cold sores are small blisters that develop on the lips or around the mouth. They are caused by a virus called herpes simplex. Once you have the virus, it stays in your skin for the rest of your life. Sometimes the virus can cause a cold sore.
Most people are exposed to the virus when they’re young after close skin to skin contact, such as kissing, with someone who has a cold sore.
It does not usually cause any symptoms until you’re older. You will not know if it’s in your skin unless you get a cold sore.
Where do they occur?
They often appear on face just below the nose, or on the lips; but they can appear anywhere on the face.
They start off as blisters, then burst and crust over as a scab.
What happens to cold sores? Are they contagious?
Cold sores should start to heal within 10 days, but are contagious and may be irritating or painful while they heal.
Some people find that certain things trigger a cold sore, such as another illness, sunshine or menstrual periods.
Cold sores are contagious from the moment you first feel tingling or other signs of a cold sore coming on to when the cold sore has completely healed.
What if I get them regularly?
If you regularly get cold sores, use antiviral creams as soon as you recognise the early tingling feeling. They do not always work after blisters appear.
Note. Kissing a baby if you have a cold sore can lead to neonatal herpes, which is dangerous to newborn babies.
What is the treatment for cold sores?
Most people requite no treatment and they get better anyway.
If you do need treatment, a pharmacist can help with cold sores. They may recommend:
- Creams to ease pain and irritation
- Antiviral creams to speed up healing time
- Cold sore patches to protect the skin while it heals.
So. When should I see a doctor about a cold sore?
- The cold sore has not started to heal within 10 days
- You’re worried about a cold sore or think it’s something else
- The cold sore is very large or painful
- You or your child also have swollen, painful gums and sores in the mouth (gingivostomatitis)
- You have a weakened immune system – for example, because of chemotherapy or diabetes.
A GP may prescribe antiviral tablets if your cold sores are very large, painful or keep coming back.
Newborn babies, pregnant women and people with a weakened immune system may be referred to hospital for advice or treatment.
Summary
We have described when should I see a doctor about a cold sore. We hope you understand them better now.
Last Reviewed on 12 March 2024