Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus and they can be treated with antiviral medication.
Aciclovir tablets help heal the sores faster and are particularly effective when taken as soon as the first symptoms appear.
Aciclovir is also prescribed as a suppression treatment for people who encounter frequently recurring bouts of oral herpes.
Order a prescription for treatment online - our service is fast and convenient. To place your order, fill in our brief medical questionnaire. Our doctor will review your order and approve a prescription for an appropriate treatment.
You can use your prescription to buy your medication at any pharmacy in Ireland.
Use our online assessment to order. A Superdrug Online Doctor will complete your prescription for collection at your local pharmacy.
Common side effects from Aciclovir can include:
Cold sore healing can also be improved with hydrocolloid dressings (Compeed invisible cold sore patches) available in most pharmacies. Local anaesthetic creams applied to the blisters and oral painkillers such as paracetamol can ease any discomfort of the blisters.
Without treatment, cold sores usually heal within 7 - 10 days.
Cold sores are blisters which occur around the mouth and on the lips. They are caused by two types of the herpes virus which also cause genital herpes (herpes simplex 1 & 2). Infection with the herpes simplex virus is extremely common and it is assumed that most adults carry it. In fact, it is estimated that 90% of the population worldwide carry one of the two types of herpes simplex.
Most people who suffer from cold sores experience the first one during their childhood, often transmitted by close contact with family or friends with the virus, or by kissing in the teenage years. The herpes virus cannot be cured but this does not mean that you will forever be dealing with herpes symptoms - it just means that the virus remains inactive in your body and that it may cause outbreaks in the future. Most patients who suffer from recurring bouts notice that there are certain triggers which bring the symptoms back.
Cold sores develop in different stages:
Normally, your cold sores will heal within one to two weeks.
Cold sores tend to come back when your immune system is weakened. Looking after your health will help you avoid recurrent bouts. Everyone is different and you will need to observe your symptoms to identify the herpes triggers which affect you. Common trigger for cold sores include:
Once you have figured out what your cold sore triggers are you will find it easier to avoid outbreaks.
Use our online assessment to order. A Superdrug Online Doctor will complete your prescription for collection at your local pharmacy.