Cold sores

Cold sores are common and usually clear up on their own within 10 days. There are things you can do to help ease the pain.

Check if it’s a cold sore

A cold sore usually starts with a tingling, itching or burning feeling.

Over the next 48 hours one or more painful blisters will appear on your face.

Cold sores should start to heal within 10 days, but are contagious and may be irritating or painful while they heal.

Signs of a heart attack (chest pain, pressure, heaviness, tightness or squeezing across the chest)
Signs of a stroke (face dropping on one side, cannot hold both arms up, difficulty speaking)
Sudden confusion or delirium (unsure of own name or age)
Suicide attempt (by taking something or self-harming)
Severe difficulty breathing (not being able to get words out, choking or gasping)
A serious accident, or severe injuries burns or scalds
Heavy bleeding (spraying, pouring or enough to make a puddle)
Severe injuries (after a serious accident or assault)
A seizure or fit (shaking, jerking, or unconscious & can’t be woken up)
Sudden, rapid swelling (of the lips, mouth, throat or tongue)

There are things you can do to help ease cold sores while they heal and to avoid triggering a cold sore.

avoid anything that triggers your cold sores, such as sunbeds
use sunblock lip balm (SPF 15 or above) if you’re outside in the sun
take paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease pain and swelling (liquid paracetamol is available for children) – do not give aspirin to children under 16
drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration
do not touch your cold sore (apart from applying antiviral cream) – and if you do wash your hands before and after
do not rub cream into the cold sore – dab it on instead
do not eat acidic or salty food if it makes your cold sore feel worse