Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are caused by a virus called herpes simplex. They usually appear around the mouth and on the lips. They are highly contagious but not dangerous.
About 90% of the population have been exposed to the virus by age 50. On average, people who get cold sores usually have 3 to 4 episodes a year, but this figure can vary significantly from person to person.
People who get cold sores may feel some unusual sensations around the lips in the 2 to 24 hours before the blisters appear, including tingling, burning, pain, or numbness. This is called a prodrome or warning sign that cold sores will appear at these spots. The skin then turns red and blisters form, generally varying in size from 0.5 cm to 1.5 cm. They ooze a clear liquid for a few days that dries to a yellow crust after a few days. There is usually some pain in the first few days after the cold sores break out, but this often disappears as the cold sore crusts over. Complete healing takes from 10 to 19 days for new infections, and 5 to 10 days for recurring infections.
Ask questions and learn more about your cold sore, talk to your Pharmasave pharmacist today!
Pharmasave offers common ailment services across the country, including cold sores. Your Pharmasave pharmacist can assess your symptoms and recommend “at-home”, self-care, or over-the-counter treatments. They may also be able to prescribe medication to help treat your cold sores.
While there is no known cure for cold sores and cold sores can go away on their own, some medications may be helpful for preventing the progression of cold sores or for treating cold sore pain.
Medications for treating cold sores:
Find your local Pharmasave and talk to your Pharmasave pharmacist about your cold sore and which treatment might be right for you.
After an assessment, your Pharmasave pharmacist can write a prescription for treatment instead of an over-the-counter medication or at-home treatment if deemed necessary.
The common ailments, like cold sores, a pharmacist can prescribe for varies by province*. For more details, view the Canadian Pharmacists Association’s chart: Common Ailments Prescribing in Canada.
To learn more about how your pharmacist can help, visit your local Pharmasave store and speak with your Pharmasave pharmacist.
*Note that common ailments prescribing is not always covered by provincial health care – a pharmacy fee may apply. Speak with your pharmacist about eligibility.
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