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      Private GP Services & Occupational Healthcare in Edinburgh, UK.

      Tackling stubborn cold sores

      Cold sores

      Posted on May 1st, 2018

      Cold sores are the painful and annoying blisters caused by the herpes simplex virus that form on and around the lips and mouth. 

      If you suffer from cold sores you’re not alone – around six in ten people carry the virus, many without knowing they have it.  

      There’s no singular known trigger, however common causes tend to be things like stress, menstruation, strong sunlight, fatigue, fever, cold, flu or infection.   

      What it means is that cold sores tend to appear when they are least welcome – if you know the feeling of that familiar tingling, here’s a few ways to manage your symptoms. 

      Recognising the early signs of cold sores

      Learning to recognise the early signs and symptoms of a cold sore is your best defence against them – most medicated creams have a small window of opportunity to have a positive impact so it’s crucial to recognise when a cold sore might be about to come up from below the surface.  

      Treatments and remedies for cold sores

      Cold sores usually heal without any other intervention between 7 to 10 days, but with such a visible ailment, we’re often keen to speed up the healing process. 

      There are dozens of reliable antiviral creams available over the counter without prescription at your local chemists, and when used properly can help ease symptoms and speed healing.  

      For them to have an impact they need to be caught in the early stages – once a blister has formed, most creams will have little effect.

      Cold sore patches are another popular treatment and have the advantage of hiding the sore while it heals. These small, transparent patches contain hydrocolloid gel that will help treat the sore and protect it from the environment.

      When to see your GP

      If you or your child has been infected for the first time, book an appointment at YourGP to see one of our family doctors.

      Children under five often display flu-like symptoms when they first catch the virus – known as the primary infection. If your child has swollen and irritated gums with small, painful sores in and around the mouth, they may have herpes simplex gingivostomatitis. Sore throat, swollen glands, high temperature, headaches and dehydration are all also common symptoms.    

      In rare cases cold sores can lead to other complications that need the care and attention of a physician – if after ten days your cold sore stubbornly refuses to heal or is showing signs of infection, book an appointment with us to get it checked out.

      To book an appointment at our private clinic in Edinburgh to discuss cold sores or any other concerns, use our online booking form or contact us by phone or email.

      The facilities and patient service are second to none. The treatment I received for my eczema was innovative, holistic and most importantly highly effective. My skin has responded to the treatment I was prescribed. I am delighted with the resultant, significant reduction in my symptoms. I was impressed by the caring, sensitive and professional treatment I received. This was in stark contrast to my experience at my usual GP and at private consultations with supposedly eminent and specialist dermatologists. Thank you.

      Diane M

      YourGP is regulated by Healthcare Improvement Scotland – the regulator for independent healthcare services across Scotland. Healthcare Improvement Scotland accepts complaints at any time. Contact them at:

      Independent Healthcare Team
      Gyle Square | 1 South Gyle Crescent | Edinburgh | EH12 9EB
      his.ihcregulation@nhs.scot

      YourGP is registered with the Joint Council of Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP) Registered Office: Station Road, North Street, Havant PO9 1QU.