Cold Sores
AHPRA registered practitioners
1000+ Australian patients
Most affordable clinic
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Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus and usually appear as painful blisters around the lips or mouth.
Many people experience recurring outbreaks, often triggered by stress, illness, fatigue, or sun exposure. While cold sores are common, they can be uncomfortable and inconvenient.
Cold sores are well suited to telehealth assessment. Our AHPRA-registered doctors can review your symptoms, discuss previous outbreaks, and determine whether antiviral treatment is appropriate. Early treatment can help shorten the duration and reduce the severity of symptoms. If you have previously been prescribed antiviral medication, we can often renew your script following a consultation. Telehealth is also useful for discussing prevention strategies and recognising early warning signs of an outbreak. In-person review is usually only required if symptoms are severe, atypical, or not improving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can cold sores be treated through telehealth?
Yes. Cold sores are commonly assessed via telehealth using symptom history and description. In many cases, doctors can safely prescribe antiviral medication without the need for in-person examination.
How early should I start treatment for cold sores?
Treatment works best when started at the first sign of tingling, itching, or redness. Early antiviral use may reduce healing time and limit how severe the outbreak becomes.
Can I get a repeat prescription for cold sores?
If you’ve previously been prescribed antiviral medication and your symptoms are consistent with past outbreaks, our doctors may be able to renew your script after review.
Are cold sores contagious even before blisters appear?
Yes. The virus can be contagious during early symptoms, even before visible blisters form, which is why early treatment and avoiding close contact is important.
What usually triggers cold sore outbreaks?
Common triggers include stress, illness, fatigue, hormonal changes, and sun exposure. Identifying personal triggers can help reduce future outbreaks.
When should I see a doctor in person?
In-person care is recommended if cold sores are unusually severe, spreading, very frequent, or not healing as expected.
