Cold sore treatment online
Feel that familiar tingle on your lip? Antiviral medicine works best when started early. See a licensed provider online today and have it waiting at your pharmacy.
- Licensed providers
- Same-day visits, usually
- Video or phone
Get started Members: request a visit
Written by the CheckMD care team · Updated
What cold sores are
Cold sores (fever blisters) are caused by the herpes simplex virus. After the first infection the virus stays in the body and can flare up with stress, sun, illness or hormonal changes. A flare usually starts with tingling or burning, then small blisters appear, break and crust over within about 7 to 10 days.
Why early treatment matters
Prescription antiviral pills work best when started at the first tingle or within a day or two of the sores appearing – they can shorten the outbreak. If you get cold sores often, your provider can talk with you about keeping a prescription on hand, or daily medicine to prevent outbreaks.
Meanwhile: avoid kissing and sharing cups or lip balm, wash your hands after touching the sore, and use sunscreen on your lips.
Medicines your provider may prescribe
- Valacyclovir (Valtrex), acyclovir or famciclovir – antiviral tablets
- Docosanol cream (over the counter) for mild outbreaks
Only when it is right for you: your provider checks your symptoms, allergies, other medicines and health history first. Prescriptions go to the pharmacy you choose.
What you can do at home right now
- Use lip balm with sunscreen
- Don't touch or pick the sore
- Don't share cups, towels or lip products
- A cool compress eases pain
When to be seen in person
- A sore near the eye, or eye pain or redness
- Sores that spread over a large area, or a weakened immune system
- A cold sore in a newborn or a person with severe eczema
- Sores that haven't healed within two weeks
A virtual visit is not an emergency service. For chest pain, trouble breathing, severe bleeding, signs of a stroke or a serious injury, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. If you are thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) at any time.
Get help in three steps
Request a visit
Tell us what is going on and choose video or phone.
Talk to a provider
Usually the same day, often within hours.
Start feeling better
Get your care plan and any prescription at your pharmacy.
Questions about cold sores
Are cold sores contagious?
Yes, most of all while blisters are present, until they have fully crusted over.
Can cold sores be cured?
The virus stays in the body, but treatment shortens outbreaks and can make them less frequent.
Do over-the-counter creams help?
Some can shorten an outbreak slightly. Prescription pills usually work better, especially when started early.
How much does an online visit cost?
Visits are part of your CheckMD membership – one yearly price, and you don't need insurance. You pay the pharmacy for any medicine. See the current plans on our pricing page or read about telehealth without insurance.
Can I be seen today?
Most visits happen the same day. Request a visit, choose video or phone and pick the earliest time.
What if I don't get better?
Book a follow-up visit. Your provider can adjust your treatment or tell you where to be seen in person. If you get worse quickly, don't wait – get urgent care.
Feeling unwell? Talk to a provider today.
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