Cold sore treatment, fast prescription antivirals delivered to your door

What are cold sores?

Cold sores are small, fluid-filled blisters that typically appear on or around the lips. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), which most people are exposed to in childhood. Once you have the virus, it stays dormant in your nerve cells and can reactivate at any time — often triggered by illness, stress, sun exposure, fatigue or hormonal changes.

An outbreak usually starts with a tingling or burning sensation, followed by a blister that weeps, crusts over and heals within one to two weeks. Cold sores are contagious from the first tingle until the blister has fully healed, so it is worth knowing the early warning signs in your own pattern.

How are cold sores treated?

Prescription antiviral medicines — taken as tablets — are the most effective treatment. Starting them at the first sign of an outbreak significantly reduces how long the blister lasts and how uncomfortable it becomes. For people who have frequent outbreaks (typically six or more a year), a low daily suppressive dose can reduce both the frequency and severity of recurrences.

Which antiviral is right for you, and whether an episodic or suppressive approach makes more sense, is confirmed by your prescriber in the consultation. We do not list specific medicine names on this page — those details come with the prescriber's decision once they have assessed your history.

Treating cold sores with NewGen

NewGen Pharmacy is a GPhC-registered community pharmacy at 245 High Street, Stratford. Once your consultation is approved, your antiviral is dispensed and dispatched the same working day — arriving the next day in plain packaging. For people who get outbreaks regularly, having a course ready in advance so treatment can start at the first tingle is one of the most practical things you can do. You can also collect from our Stratford pharmacy if that is more convenient.

If your cold sores are affecting your genitals, please visit our herpes virus page or our genital herpes page for the appropriate consultation.

When to see your GP instead

See your GP or an eye clinic urgently if a cold sore appears near your eye, or if your eye becomes red or sore during an outbreak. Also see your GP if cold sores are very frequent despite suppressive treatment, if outbreaks are unusually large or slow to heal, or if you have a condition that suppresses your immune system — these cases may need additional investigation or specialist management. For any doubt, call NHS 111.