Cold Sores

Question 1

Symptoms of Cold Sores

Answer 1

• tingling/irritation sensation (6 to 24 hours before blister)
• Blisters on lips/ around mouth

Question 2

How do cold sore blisters look like

Answer 2

• filled with white matter on top of sore
• sore inflamed skin

Question 3

Cold Sore referral

Answer 3

• painless blisters
• babies/young children
• immunocompromised
• uncertain diagnosis
• eye affected
• cold sores inside mouth
• cold sores for more than 2 weeks
• patents with atopic eczema

Question 4

OTC treatment: Aciclovir cream

Answer 4

Zovirax Cold Sore Cream
- apply 5 times daily
- for at least 4 days, max 10
- four hour intervals

Question 5

OTC Treatment: Penciclovir cream

Answer 5

Fenistil Cold sore Cream (12+)
- apply 8 times for 4 days
- two hourly intervals

Question 6

OTC treatment: Hydrocolloid Patch

Answer 6

Compeed Patch
- apply for 24 hours a day until heeled
- it is a virus shield to prevent contamination

Question 7

OTC treatment: Bland Creams

Answer 7

• soothes and moistens skin to help reduce risk of a secondary bacterial infection

Question 8

Cold Sore Advice

Answer 8

• highly contagious
• no longer contagious after crusts form
• wash hands after apply cream or touching leasions
• infection transferable to eye
• avoid sexual activity or sharing cutlery
• cold sores have no cure and are for life, so there will be recurrent episodes