Cold sore treatment, reviewed by a pharmacist
A short online consultation, a clinician-led prescription if suitable, and antiviral treatment delivered discreetly and fast.
- Answer a few quick questions about your symptoms
- Get a prescription from a UK clinician if suitable
- Antiviral treatment delivered discreetly, fast
Recognise the symptoms?
- Tingling, itching or burning around the lips before a blister appears
- Small fluid-filled blisters on or around the lips or mouth
- Blisters that burst and form a crust or scab
- Mild soreness or pain at the affected site
- Swollen glands or a mild fever with a first episode
- Symptoms that tend to recur in the same spot
How it works
Answer a few quick questions
Tell us about your symptoms and medical history in a short online consultation.
Reviewed by a UK clinician
A GPhC-registered pharmacist checks your answers and, if appropriate, issues a prescription.
Delivered to your door
Your treatment is dispensed and posted out in discreet, plain packaging.
Common cold sore triggers
Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus, which can be reactivated by a number of everyday factors.
Sun exposure
Fever or illness
Stress and tiredness
Hormonal changes
Cold weather or wind
When to see a GP instead
This service is for straightforward, recurrent cold sores in otherwise healthy adults. See a GP urgently if the cold sore spreads to or near your eyes, you have a weakened immune system, symptoms are severe or don't start to heal within 10 days, or you have a high fever, difficulty swallowing, or feel generally unwell.
FAQs
Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). Once you're infected, the virus stays in your body and can reactivate from time to time.
Antiviral treatment works best when started as soon as you notice the early tingling or itching, but a clinician can still advise on treatment once a blister has formed.
Yes, they're contagious, particularly when a blister is present. Avoid close contact, kissing, and sharing cups or cutlery until it has healed.
This service is aimed at people who have had cold sores before. A first episode with widespread symptoms should be assessed by a GP.
We aim to dispatch approved treatment as quickly as possible, since antivirals work best started early.
Let us know if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, as this may affect which treatment is suitable for you.
Yes, everything is dispatched in plain, unbranded packaging.
Catch it early, treat it fast
Start your free online consultation now to get antiviral treatment reviewed and dispatched quickly.
Get Started