Cold Sore Treatment Online — Start Antivirals Early for Faster Relief
Verified by Parth Bhavsar, MD on: 10/22/205
Who this is for (at a glance): Adults (18+) with typical oral cold sores (HSV‑1) who want rapid episodic treatment or a stand‑by prescription for future flares. We confirm the pattern by video/photos, screen for eye/rare complications, review interactions, and—when appropriate—send a same‑day antiviral e‑Rx.
What to have ready before your $49 visit
· Timeline: when tingling/blistering started; how long flares usually last.
· Location: lip border/vermilion; any lesions inside the nose/eye area.
· History: frequency per year; known triggers (UV, stress, illness).
· Past meds: what worked (topical vs oral), any side effects.
· Medications/conditions: kidney disease, pregnancy status, anticoagulants.
· Photos: close, well‑lit image if possible.
How the TeleDirectMD visit works
1) Smart intake (2–3 min): pattern, triggers, prior response, comorbidities.
2) MD video check: confirm typical HSV‑1 appearance, rule out eye involvement, assess candidacy and renal dosing.
3) Plan: episodic antiviral now or stand‑by for your next prodrome; prevention tips; red‑flag rules.
4) Same‑day e‑Rx to your preferred pharmacy + written instructions.
Antiviral regimens we commonly prescribe (episodic)
· Valacyclovir: 2 g at onset and 2 g 12 hours later (one‑day course), or 1 g twice daily for 5 days if started later.
· Famciclovir: 1500 mg once at onset or 750 mg twice in one day.
· Acyclovir: options available if preferred/insurance‑driven (more frequent dosing).
Best timing: Start at the tingle/burn stage for the largest benefit. If blisters have already crusted, benefit is smaller—but treatment may still shorten course.
When we don’t treat online (or will refer)
· Eye symptoms (pain, photophobia, vision changes) or lesions on/near the eye → urgent in‑person evaluation.
· Suspected impetigo, severe cellulitis, or atypical lesions.
· Severe immunocompromise or very frequent recurrences needing suppressive therapy—coordinate with PCP/derm.
· Pregnancy: we’ll discuss options and coordinate with OB as appropriate.
Safety checks & counseling
· Hydration & kidneys: dose adjustments for reduced eGFR.
· Interactions: few for valacyclovir/famciclovir; disclose all meds.
· Infectious period: avoid kissing/oral sex and sharing items (lip balm, utensils) until healed.
· Trigger prevention: daily SPF lip balm, hand hygiene, manage stress/sleep.
Pricing & scope
· $49 flat adult video visit; cash‑pay.
· No controlled substances; adult‑only; video‑only.
FAQ
Can I get a “just‑in‑case” prescription?
Yes—if your pattern is clear, we can send stand‑by antivirals with instructions to take at first tingle.
Do topical creams help?
Some OTC topicals provide mild symptom relief, but oral antivirals reduce duration most reliably when taken early.
How often is “too often” for outbreaks?
If you’re getting ≥6/year or severe/prolonged flares, ask about suppressive therapy with your PCP/derm.
Ready to shorten your next flare?
Book your $49 MD video visit for cold sore treatment. Start early, heal faster.