What are cold sores?
Cold sores are small, painful blisters on or around the lips. They’re caused by the herpes simplex virus, which most adults carry. Once you have it, the virus stays in your body and can flare up from time to time.
Common triggers include stress, a cold or fever, strong sun, being run down, and hormonal changes. Cold sores usually heal in 7 to 10 days, but treatment can shorten an outbreak and make it less painful.
Listed in Ontario’s minor ailments program as: Herpes labialis.
Common symptoms
- Tingling, itching or burning on the lip before anything shows
- Small fluid-filled blisters, often at the edge of the lip
- Blisters that break, ooze, then crust over
- Soreness when eating or talking
How a Kennedy pharmacist can help
Your pharmacist will confirm it looks like a cold sore, ask how often you get them, and check your other medications and health conditions.
They may prescribe an antiviral medication, as pills or a cream. Pills taken right at the first tingle can shorten an outbreak. If you get cold sores often, ask about having a plan ready so you can start treatment the moment one begins.
We’ll also talk about protecting others: cold sores are contagious until fully healed, so avoid kissing, sharing cups or lip balm, and touching the sore.
If we think you’d be better served by a doctor, we’ll tell you, and help you figure out where to go.
Medicines a pharmacist may consider
- Valacyclovir (Valtrex)antiviral pills, often a one-day course started at the first tingle
- Famciclovir (Famvir)antiviral pills, sometimes a single dose
- Acyclovir and hydrocortisone cream (Xerese)an antiviral and anti-inflammatory cream combined
- Acyclovir cream (Zovirax) or docosanol cream (Abreva)antiviral creams
Your pharmacist chooses based on your symptoms, age, pregnancy, allergies and other medications, so not every option is right for everyone. Brand names are examples. We often use the generic version, which works the same and usually costs less.
What it costs
The assessment is free with a valid Ontario health card. It’s paid for by the province, just like a visit to your doctor.
If you’re prescribed something, the medicine is paid for like any other prescription: through your drug plan, the Ontario Drug Benefit (65+ and other eligible people), OHIP+ (under 25 without a private plan), or out of pocket.
Good to know: Prescription antiviral pills are covered by many drug plans, and often by ODB or OHIP+ if you’re eligible. We’ll check yours before you pay.
No Ontario health card? Text or call us first and we’ll tell you the fee before we start.
When to see a doctor instead
See your family doctor, a walk-in clinic or a nurse practitioner if:
- The sore is near or in your eye, or your eye is red or painful
- Sores are spreading to other parts of your face or body
- You have a weakened immune system, or eczema near the sores
- It hasn’t healed after 2 weeks, or you get them very often
- It’s a baby, or you’re pregnant and this is your first outbreak
Not sure? Call Health811 (dial 811) any time to speak with a registered nurse, free.