How are cold sores treated? MedicationsĪntiviral creams or ointments such as aciclovir, famciclovir and valaciclovir should be used in the first few days of a cold sore outbreak when a tingling sensation or a raised sore or blister is first noticed.

your cold sore has spread to near your eyesĪntibiotics may be needed if the cold sore gets infected.įIND A HEALTH SERVICE - The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.ĪSK YOUR DOCTOR - Preparing for an appointment? Use our Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.

the cold sore isn’t healing, it's spreading or you have more than one cold sore.

there are signs the cold sore is infected, such as redness around the sore, pus and a fever.

It’s also a good idea to see your doctor if: You may need to see a doctor if you have more severe symptoms or a weakened immune system - if, for example, you have HIV or you are having cancer treatment.

colds, flu or fevers that make the body less able to fight off infection.

a break in the skin near the affected area.

Various factors can cause the virus to become active resulting in one or more cold sores. However, the virus can remain dormant (inactive) in many people, meaning that cold sores may never appear. Most people are infected when they are young and the infection lasts for life.

However, both viruses can cause either cold sores or genital herpes.Ībout 80 per cent of adults are infected with HSV-1. Herpes simplex virus type 2 causes most cases of genital herpes. Cold sores are usually caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1).

There are 2 types of herpes simplex virus. The virus can spread between people by direct physical contact, such as kissing, skin-to-skin contact and sharing drink containers, eating utensils, towels or toothbrushes with someone who already has a cold sore.Īs well as a blister-like spot, the following symptoms are also common:ĬHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS - Use the mouth problems Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help. They can be highly contagious, even when the blisters aren’t present. What are the symptoms of cold sores?Ĭold sores start with an itchy and tingling sensation usually on the mouth, lips or nose and may form small blisters that crust after 3 days.Ĭold sores usually clear up after 2 weeks without leaving any scars. There is no cure for cold sores, but there are ways to treat the symptoms and prevent new outbreaks. Related information on Australian websitesĬold sores are small blister-like spots that appear in or around the outside of the mouth and are caused by infection with the herpes simplex virus.

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