Cold sores impact many people – some frequently and others on rare occasions.
Although usually small, cold sores can be uncomfortable, causing pain and irritation and even make you feel self-conscious.
Cold sores can be painful, embarrassing and contagious. But fortunately, with proper treatment, the impact and duration of cold sores can be minimized.
Read more below.
When to treat cold sores at home and when to seek care
Specialty Urgent Care is here for you if you are dealing with a cold sore.
Also known as fever blisters, cold sores can creep up during times of illness, fatigue, sun exposure or stress or even completely out of the blue. They are commonly caused by HSV-1, which is the herpes simplex virus. If you become exposed to the virus, it stays in the body.
Cold sores are most common around the mouth and lips and are highly contagious through kissing, sharing of utensils or drinks and other close contact.
When a cold sore is developing, you may experience tingling, itching or pain before it shows up.
Once a blister comes about, you may experience more severe symptoms, and it may even break open then scab over before it heals.
In mild cases, cold sores can be treated at home with over-the-counter remedies and cold compresses.
In more severe cases that do not resolve on its own, you may require a doctor’s care.
If you have any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention:
- A very painful cold sore
- A blister that is worsening or spreading
- Difficulty drinking or eating
- Blister that goes on longer than two weeks
- Frequent outbreaks
- Swelling of the eyes
At Specialty Urgent Care, we can prescribe antiviral medication that can help reduce the severity of a cold sore. These medications include acyclovir or valacyclovir.
To help avoid cold sores and reduce severity, it is important to stay well rested, hydrated and healthy in mind and body.
Specialty Urgent Care is centered on convenience so that you can get the medical care for cold sores you need in a timely manner.
Our certified medical team has experience and expertise in treating a plethora of conditions, including cold sores. The beauty of our clinic is that you can be seen fast, and your concerns can be handled all under one roof.
Prompt treatment is key to getting back on the road to health. And we are here for you.
Healthcare fast when you need it
If you have a persistent cold sore or some other medical condition that needs urgent care but does not require emergency room care or your primary care physician, you can count on Specialty Urgent Care.
Our staff of board-certified medical doctors and professionals work diligently to help you and hy your family get on the road to wellness fast.
At Specialty Urgent Care, you do not have to wait for days to get in to the doctor like you may have to at your PCP doctor’s office. Further, you receive the height of medical care with compassion and convenience. That is Specialty Urgent Care’s goal.
Don’t wait for symptoms to get worse. Get the fast evaluation and treatment you need now.
Call or stop in today and start feeling your best.