Cold sores

What are cold sores?

Cold sores are small, fluid-filled blisters which typically appear around the mouth.

They are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), which is a contagious virus. While you have an outbreak of cold sores, the virus can be passed on through kissing or sharing items like cutlery or glassware in the kitchen.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimate that two-thirds of the world's population carry HSV-1.

While herpes can be passed on through sexual intercourse, it is unusual for HSV-1, the strain of the virus which causes cold sores, to be spread this way.

What are the symptoms of herpes (HSV-1)?

While it is not uncommon for a herpes infection to cause no noticeable symptoms during its inactive phase, several symptoms can develop shortly after the initial infection.

First-time outbreaks of herpes are typically more severe than subsequent outbreaks.

Symptoms of first-time outbreaks may include:

• Fever
• Gum erosion and pain
• Headaches
• Muscle aches
• Small blisters on or around the lips (Cold sores)
• Sore throat

If you are experiencing a cold sore for the first time or if your cold sore is particularly large or painful, consult your doctor for appropriate advice.

Future outbreaks may not be accompanied by any of the symptoms listed above, aside from a visible cold sore on or around the lips.

When is it contagious?

The virus is most contagious when a cold sore is present, but it can also be passed on from the moment signs of a cold sore are developing to the time it heals.

While the cold sore is present, the virus can be passed on with anything that comes into contact with the cold sore, including kitchen utensils, glassware, towels or cosmetics such as lipstick.

Herpes, the virus responsible for these unsightly lesions, is not always active. During its inactive phase, the virus resides in the nerves of the spine. HSV-1 may lie dormant for weeks, months or even years before causing another outbreak.

Are there any warning signs of cold sores?

Some people notice a tingling or stinging sensation at the site where the cold sore will appear. In many cases, it's not apparent that the virus has affected the skin until a cold sore appears.

You will unlikely experience any other symptoms during recurrent outbreaks of cold sores.

If you suspect a cold sore may be forming, you should take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus to other people.

What causes cold sores to come back?

There are several triggers which may cause cold sores to appear.

Possible triggers include:

• Changes in hormones
• Cold temperatures
• Exposure to sunlight
• Stress
• Tiredness
• Viral or bacterial infections and fever

Can you prevent cold sores from appearing?

Antivirals, while the cold sore is in its early stages of development, can speed up the recovery time, but cannot be used to prevent the formation of future cold sores.

Once HSV-1 is present in your body, it is nearly impossible to completely prevent a cold sore from appearing.

What treatments are available for cold sores?

Prescription Doctor offers two cold sore treatments online:

• Aciclovir cream
• Zovirax cream

Both of these treatments contain an antiviral known as aciclovir. Once administered, aciclovir slows the virus's ability to replicate, resulting in a faster recovery.

While Aciclovir and Zovirax help to speed up the healing process of cold sores around the mouth, they do not eradicate the virus from the body or prevent future outbreaks.

You can buy aciclovir cream online from Prescription Doctor following a quick consultation with our doctor. If the doctor approves your order, your item will be dispensed by our UK-regulated pharmacy and dispatched via our discreet, next-day delivery service.