Cold Sores Treatment

• Cold sores are caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1, otherwise known as HSV1.
• HSV2 is a similar virus which usually causes genital herpes, but rarely can also cause cold sores around the mouth.
• Cold sores are spread by skin to skin contact, such as kissing someone who has an active cold sore.
• The first infection may not cause any symptoms, but may be triggered later.
• Cold sores can be triggered by stress, fatigue, viral illness, strong UV/sunlight exposure or during menstruation.

• Cold sores are spread by skin to skin contact
• If you have active cold sores you should avoid newborn babies, elderly, or anyone with a weak immune system (e.g on chemotherapy)
• If you have no active cold sores, you’re not usually infectious to others.

• No, usually you do not need any tests to diagnose cold sores.
• The diagnose tends to be obvious, based on history and the appearance of the lesions
• However, if there’s any doubt, your GP can perform a swab and send it to the laboratory for analysis for HSV1.

• People with recurring cold sores occasionally worry that there’s something wrong with their immune system, or that they’re deficient in a vitamin or mineral. But cold sores are very common, and most people who get them are otherwise perfectly well.
• Sometimes tiredness or another viral illness can make you more prone to cold sore flare ups
• If you’re worried, speak to your doctor- they may recommend some general blood tests to check for an underlying cause.

• Usually no particular medication for cold sores is recommended- they naturally get better over 7-10 days.
• There is some general advice when you have active cold sores, such as avoid touching the cold sores; wash hands regularly especially after applying creams or before putting in your contact lenses; and don’t share lip balm or sunscreen.
• Over the counter painkillers like Panadol and Nurofen, or topical anaesthetic gels (e.g Lidocaine) may be helpful for pain/discomfort.
• Antiviral Creams can be bought at your pharmacy- these do not kill the virus but prevent it from multiplying which may reduce symptoms a little.
• Oral antiviral medication may be prescribed to reduce the severity of symptoms, in some suitable cases. This approach may be appropriate if you have severe or frequent cold sores, or a weakened immune system for some reason- speak to your doctor for further advice.

Once you’ve been infected, HSV1 stays in your body. In some people it means cold sores flare up from time to time, in others HSV1 lies dormant, and flares up rarely or not at all.