Cold Sore Treatment Options:

Cold sores can be itchy, uncomfortable and painful. But is there a way to get rid of them? Here, we discuss the different ways that you can ease symptoms and discomfort, and medications that you can use to help clear up flare-ups faster.

How to Get Rid of Cold Sores

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and unfortunately, there is no cure to get rid of them permanently. Once you have had one cold sore, it’s likely that you will have more. This is because the virus lies dormant in the nerve cells in that area of your skin (usually around the lips). This means that it can potentially cause infection again in the future. It also means that you are likely to experience cold sores in the same spot each time.

Whilst this can be frustrating, it can also make it easier to tell if a cold sore is brewing. If you experience tell-tale signs, such as tingling, itching or a burning sensation, in that particular spot, it can be a strong indication that one is on the way. Therefore, you can start treating it as soon as possible!

What is The Best Cold Sore Treatment?

Although there is no cure to get rid of them permanently, there are antiviral medications that can help ease symptoms and clear flare-ups faster.

Antiviral medications can help reduce the severity and duration of each outbreak by preventing the virus from multiplying. This can also help reduce the spread of the virus. Antiviral medications come in the form of tablets and cold sore creams. You can buy cold sore creams over-the-counter at your local pharmacy, but you will need a prescription for antiviral tablets.

Here at Webdoctor.ie, if appropriate, we can provide patients with a prescription for antiviral tablets.

In addition, there are some ways to help ease discomfort:

• Apply a compress: a cold, damp cloth can help reduce redness and swelling whilst a warm compress can help ease the pain caused by blisters.
• Pain relievers: cold sores can be painful and over-the-counter pain relief can help.

How Do I Use Antiviral Tablets As A Cold Sore Treatment?

Antiviral tablets are very easy to use – simply take one tablet, five times a day, for five days. You should try to space out doses throughout the day (don’t worry, you don’t need to take it during sleeping hours). Remembering to take a tablet at regular intervals can be tricky so we recommend setting alarms or reminders on your phone so you don’t miss a dose.

If you do happen to miss a tablet, just take it as soon as you remember and continue as before; you don’t need to take two doses together to make up for the missed dose.

You should always complete the entire course of medication, even if your symptoms have disappeared. This helps prevent another flare-up. Antiviral tablets should only be used if you have been diagnosed with cold sores by a healthcare professional previously. If you have not, you should see a doctor face-to-face or via online video consultation.

How To Request a Prescription for Cold Sore Treatment

Requesting a prescription for oral antiviral medication couldn’t be easier. All you have to do is fill out a brief questionnaire, describing your symptoms. Then, one of our Irish-registered doctors will review your information and send your prescription to your pharmacy within minutes of approval. To do this, we use secure Healthmail and we guarantee the same doctor-patient confidentiality as regular GP consultations.

If you have any questions about our Cold Sore Treatment prescription service or you would like to discuss treatment in more detail, simply book an online consultation with one of our doctors. There, we can talk you through the treatment and answer any questions that you may have.