Loading condition information
Conditions
ColdSores(HerpesSimplex)
Painful blisters on or around the lips caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). Highly contagious and recurring. Affects up to 80% of Australians.
Get treatment
From $49.95 · No appointment needed
6 min
avg cert turnaround
13 min
avg doctor review
2
days a week
30%
refund if declined
Symptoms
CommonsymptomsofColdSores(HerpesSimplex)
An AHPRA-registered doctor assesses these symptoms online - no in-person visit required.
Tingling or itching around lips before blisters appear
Small fluid-filled blisters on or near lips
Pain and burning at the blister site
Crusting and scabbing as blisters heal
Swollen lymph nodes (first episode)
Possible fever and body aches (first episode)
Our Scope
Howwecanhelp
InstantMed handles many common conditions entirely online. Here's what fits our service.
What we can help with
- Antiviral prescriptions (valaciclovir, aciclovir)
- Management advice for recurrent cold sores
- Discussion of suppressive therapy for frequent recurrences
- Medical certificates if needed
What needs in-person care
- Eye involvement (needs ophthalmology)
- Severe or disseminated HSV in immunocompromised patients
- First genital herpes episode (needs in-person assessment)
Depending on your situation, an AHPRA-registered doctor may be able to issue a medical certificate or arrange a repeat prescription after reviewing your request online.
Clinical Guidance
Whentoseeadoctor
These indicators suggest you should seek professional medical advice promptly.
Signs you need a doctor
- 1Frequent recurrences (6+ per year)
- 2Cold sores not healing after 2 weeks
- 3Cold sores spreading to eyes
- 4First episode with severe symptoms
- 5You need antiviral treatment started quickly
Seek emergency care if
- Cold sore affecting the eye (pain, vision changes, sensitivity to light)
- Widespread blisters in someone with eczema (eczema herpeticum)
- Severe symptoms with high fever in immunocompromised patients
Call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department
Clinical Insight
Adoctor'sperspectiveonColdSores(HerpesSimplex)
InstantMed Clinical Team
AHPRA-registered medical team · Reviewed 2026-03
Cold sores are caused by HSV-1, which lies dormant in nerve cells after initial infection and reactivates periodically. The key clinical point is that antiviral treatment is time-sensitive - valaciclovir or aciclovir is most effective when started during the prodromal phase (the tingling/itching before blisters appear) or within the first 24 hours of blisters forming. This is why telehealth is particularly useful for cold sores: fast access to a prescription at the first sign of an outbreak. For patients with frequent recurrences (6 or more per year), daily suppressive therapy with low-dose valaciclovir is highly effective and well-tolerated. Over-the-counter treatments like aciclovir cream are modestly effective but far less so than oral antivirals.
Treatment
TreatingColdSores(HerpesSimplex)
Cold sores are treated with oral antiviral medications, which are most effective when started at the earliest sign of an outbreak (tingling/prodrome stage). For frequent recurrences (6+ per year), daily suppressive therapy significantly reduces outbreak frequency. Over-the-counter topical antivirals are modestly effective but far less so than oral treatment.
Valaciclovir
Valtrex, Valaciclovir Sandoz
Class:Antiviral (nucleoside analogue prodrug)
Typical dose:2g twice daily for 1 day (episodic); 500mg daily (suppressive)
PBS:PBS listed for recurrent herpes labialis and suppressive therapy
- Most effective oral antiviral for cold sores
- Single-day high-dose treatment can abort an outbreak if started early
- Daily low-dose suppressive therapy reduces recurrences by up to 80%
- Better oral absorption than aciclovir (simpler dosing)
Aciclovir
Zovirax
Class:Antiviral (nucleoside analogue)
Typical dose:400mg five times daily for 5 days (episodic); 400mg twice daily (suppressive)
PBS:PBS listed for herpes simplex infections
- Established antiviral with long safety track record
- Topical cream (5%) available over-the-counter but less effective than oral
- Oral form requires more frequent dosing than valaciclovir
- Well tolerated with minimal side effects
Source: Therapeutic Guidelines - Antibiotic, 2024. This information is educational only and does not replace clinical assessment.
Specialist referral: Referral to an ophthalmologist is urgent if cold sores affect the eye area. Referral to a dermatologist or infectious disease specialist for eczema herpeticum, disseminated HSV, or cold sores not responding to standard antiviral therapy.
Cold Sores (Herpes Simplex) in Australia
Up to 80% of Australian adults carry HSV-1, though many never develop visible cold sores
Cold sores recur in approximately 20-40% of HSV-1 carriers
Antiviral treatment started within 24 hours can reduce outbreak duration by 1-2 days
UV exposure is one of the most common triggers - SPF lip balm significantly reduces recurrences
Recovery
Whattoexpect
Typical recovery timeline and return-to-work guidance for most patients.
Typical recovery
Untreated: 7-14 days from tingling to complete healing. With antivirals started early: 5-7 days. The blister crusts over in 4-5 days and the scab falls off in 7-10 days.
Return to work
Most people can work with a cold sore. There is no medical reason to stay home unless the sore is very painful or you work in a role with close physical contact (e.g., childcare, beauty therapy). Avoid sharing cups and utensils at work.
When to reassess
See a doctor urgently if a cold sore affects your eye, if blisters are spreading to large areas of skin, if you are immunocompromised, or if cold sores are not healing after 2 weeks.
Self-Care
ManagingColdSores(HerpesSimplex)athome
Evidence-based tips to support your recovery alongside medical treatment.
Start antiviral medication at the FIRST tingling sensation - don't wait for blisters to form
Apply SPF 30+ lip balm daily - UV exposure is a major trigger for cold sore recurrences
Avoid touching the cold sore - wash hands immediately if you do, to prevent spreading to eyes or other areas
Do not kiss, share cups, or share lip products until the scab has completely fallen off
Cold compresses can reduce pain and swelling - apply a clean, damp cloth for 5-10 minutes
If you get more than 6 outbreaks per year, ask about daily suppressive therapy - it reduces recurrences by up to 80%
FAQ
CommonquestionsaboutColdSores(HerpesSimplex)
Answers to the most common questions from patients.
Yes. Our doctors can prescribe valaciclovir or aciclovir via eScript. Treatment is most effective when started at the first tingling sensation - within 24 hours of symptom onset.
Very contagious from the tingling stage until the scab falls off (about 7-10 days). Avoid kissing, sharing cups/utensils, and oral contact during this period.
Triggers include sun exposure, stress, fatigue, illness, and hormonal changes. SPF lip balm helps prevent sun-triggered outbreaks. For frequent recurrences (6+/year), daily suppressive antiviral therapy can reduce outbreaks by 80%.
They are caused by related but different viruses (HSV-1 vs HSV-2, though either can occur in either location). Oral HSV-1 can be transmitted to the genitals via oral sex.
Ready to get help with Cold Sores (Herpes Simplex)?
Australian-registered doctors review your request when available.
Full refund if the doctor declines.