Cold sores are small, fluid-filled blisters that can occur anywhere on the face but most commonly appear near or on the lips. Cold sores are very contagious and are caused by the herpes simplex virus. There is no cure for cold sores, once you have the virus you will likely experience recurrent flare-ups throughout your life. There are however several treatments available that can help to ease uncomfortable symptoms making living with cold sores more manageable.
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Most people are familiar with cold sores, the small blisters or scabs that develop on the lips. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus and occur after an outbreak when virus levels build up. Cold sores will often start in the ‘tingle’ phase where there is a tingling, itching or burning sensation in the area before a breakout where the blisters occur. The blisters or sores usually last for around 7 to 10 days and will clear up without treatment. If you start treatment at the tingle stage, you can sometimes prevent the outbreak from happening.
Cold sores are caused by one of the herpes simplex virus family known as HSV-1. In rare cases cold sores can be caused by HSV-2, however, this is normally due to having oral sex with a person who has genital herpes.
Cold sores are highly contagious and are passed on by direct contact, normally through kissing or sharing lipsticks or cutlery. Once you have HSV-1, it lies dormant in the nerves until an outbreak, normally caused by a trigger factor. Some people can get outbreaks every few months whereas others can go for years without a cold sore.
Cold sores occur when levels of the herpes simplex virus build up causing an outbreak of small blisters on the lips. The outbreak of cold sores is usually caused in response to trigger factors that can include:
Although an outbreak normally occurs in response to a trigger factor, cold sores can also occur randomly where there is no obvious trigger.
When you are first infected with HSV-1, it is unlikely you will experience any symptoms during the primary infection and it may be some time before your first outbreak. Symptoms of the primary infection of herpes simplex can be more severe and may include:
After the primary infection, recurrent bouts of herpes simplex outbreaks will normally only cause cold sores without any of the symptoms described above. Cold sores normally follow a regular pattern:
Cold sores are contagious from the start of an outbreak until they have completely healed. They are most infectious during the outbreak when they have burst and are oozing.
Cold sores can normally be self-diagnosed without the need to see your GP. You should check with your doctor if you experience any of the following:
If your primary infection is severe you may wish to see your GP for treatment.
Antiviral cream such as Aciclovir 5% cream is the first-line treatment for recurrent outbreaks of cold sores. If used correctly, they can speed up the healing time of cold sores or even prevent the breakout in some cases.
It is important when using cold sore treatment creams, like Aciclovir (Zovirax), that they are applied as soon as possible after the ‘tingle’ phase begins. This gives it the best chance of preventing the outbreak or speeding up the healing time. Once the cold sore has blistered or scabbed, antiviral cream will have less effect.
Antiviral cold sore creams prevent the herpes simplex virus from spreading and multiplying. It is normally applied five times daily for up to nine days. Cold sore treatments help to treat the current outbreak, however, they do not ‘cure’ the herpes simplex infection or prevent future cold sore outbreaks. Antiviral cold sore creams should not be used as a preventative measure to stop outbreaks when there are no signs of one occurring.
General tips for treating cold sores
How to minimise the spread of cold sores
You can’t completely remove the risk of becoming infected with cold sores however there are many steps you can take to reduce the risk of you catching HSV-1 or passing it on to others.
Preventing recurrent outbreaks of cold sores
Outbreaks of cold sores are normally caused by exposure to trigger factors that can be specific to the individual. Examples of the most common trigger factors for cold sores are given above in the ‘What are Cold Sores and what causes them?’ section. By avoiding the trigger factors for your cold sores you can reduce the frequency of cold sore outbreaks.
By applying antiviral cold sore creams, such as Aciclovir 5% cream, as early as possible into the ‘tingle’ phase, you can sometimes prevent breakouts from happening. There is no benefit to using cold sore creams continuously to prevent cold sores.
There are many non-prescription alternatives available for the treatment of cold sores such as;
Aciclovir (Zovirax) cream
This cream contains aciclovir as its active ingredient, an antiviral medication, to speed up healing by stopping the virus from multiplying.
Cymex
Cymex cream helps sooth the tingling sensation and moisturise the dry cracked lips. This can help prevent the infection from spreading.
Cold sore outbreaks will usually begin with a mild tingling, itching or burning sensation felt around the mouth.
This initial sensation will then develop into small fluid-filled sores that usually form on the outer edges of the lower lip.
A sufferer who experiences recurrent frequent infections, often finds the cold sore developing in the same place each time. Initially, the sores can grow in size and start to ooze, before becoming crusty and scabbing over. This usually occurs within 48 hours of the initial tingle sensation.
The majority of cold sores will heal untreated within ten days, usually without scarring.
Cold Sores are viral infections and can be treated using antiviral creams, such as Aciclovir or Penciclovir (Also known as Fenistil). If used correctly, these treatments can speed up the recovery time by up to 50%.
Cold Sore creams are readily available from pharmacies without a prescription. They are most effective when applied at the onset of an infection when the herpes virus is still reproducing and spreading. This is sometimes referred to as the tingling stage. After this initial period, antiviral creams are less likely to have a significant effect.
Cold sore creams are applied up to five times daily, for a period of four to five days. They do not eradicate the existing herpes simplex virus, nor can they prevent future outbreaks from occurring.
When treating cold sores, Antiviral tablets are generally considered more effective than their cream counterparts. However, they are only available on prescription and tend to be reserved for more severe cases.
Cold Sores can also be treated using a medicated patch, containing a gel called hydrocolloid. This form of treatment involves placing a patch over the cold sore, allowing it to heal whilst hiding the wound.
There are a range of non-antiviral creams that are available from pharmacies without a prescription. Though these creams are not specifically designed to treat the herpes simplex virus, they will instead help to ease the associated pain and irritation.
Painkillers such as Paracetamol and Ibuprofen (available in liquid form for young children) are also effective means for easing the associated pain of cold sores. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a tailored treatment suitable for you.
For the majority of cases, cold sore sufferers do not need to visit their doctor.
The condition is self-limiting and is generally treated with antiviral treatments that can be purchased over-the-counter.
Yes, it is possible to contract genital herpes from a cold sore.
If a person infected with a cold sore performs oral sex, he or she can transmit the infection to their partner. This can result in cold sores appearing on and around the genitals, which is called genital herpes.
The reverse of this is also possible. A facial cold sore can be caught from someone who has genital herpes through the act of oral sex.
Authored by
Andy is a co-founder and the Superintendent Pharmacist and Director at The Independent Pharmacy.
Reviewed by
Dan is an experienced pharmacist having spent time working in both primary and secondary care. He currently supports our clinical team by providing robust clinical governance review of our internal processes and information.
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