Adult Cold Sore Treatment (Herpes Labialis)
Fast MD-only cold sore care for adults in Georgia by secure online video visit, $49 flat-fee, no insurance required.
Cold sores are usually caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and can cause tingling, burning, and clustered blisters on or near the lips. Antiviral treatment works best when started early. TeleDirectMD MDs use a structured history and visual review by video to confirm a typical cold sore pattern, rule out red flags, and prescribe safe, effective treatment for adults located in Georgia when appropriate.
- $49 flat-fee visit, no hidden costs
- MD-only care, no mid-level providers
- No insurance required or accepted
- Available for adults in Georgia (and 25+ states)
- Secure, encrypted video visits from home
Online Cold Sore Care by Georgia-Licensed MDs
- Typical visit length: 10–15 minutes
- Best outcomes when antivirals are started early
- Evaluation for cold sore vs other lip lesions
- Clear red flags for urgent in-person care
For adults only (18+). You must be physically located in Georgia at the time of your video visit. We do not prescribe controlled substances.
What Is a Cold Sore (Herpes Labialis)?
A cold sore is a common viral outbreak usually caused by HSV-1. Many people first acquire HSV in childhood or early adulthood, and the virus remains dormant in nerve tissue. Outbreaks can recur during stress, illness, sun exposure, or fatigue. A typical cold sore begins with tingling or burning, followed by clustered blisters that crust and heal.
Antiviral treatment can shorten the outbreak and reduce symptom severity, especially when started early. TeleDirectMD screens for red flags such as eye involvement, widespread rash, severe immune suppression, or atypical lesions that require in-person evaluation.
Common Symptoms and Red Flags
During your visit, the MD will review timing, prior HSV history, triggers, lesion appearance, and any eye symptoms to determine whether video care is appropriate.
| Symptom | What It Suggests | Telehealth appropriate? | Red flag requiring urgent in-person care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tingling or burning before blisters | HSV prodrome | Yes | Severe facial pain with neurologic symptoms |
| Clustered blisters on or near the lip | Typical cold sore outbreak | Often yes | Widespread sores, severe swelling, or severe pain |
| Crusting and healing over several days | Typical HSV course | Yes | Non-healing lesion, bleeding, or persistent ulcer |
| Eye redness, eye pain, light sensitivity, or blurred vision | Possible ocular HSV exposure | No | Same-day urgent eye evaluation recommended |
| Fever and widespread sores | Severe primary infection or alternative cause | No | Urgent evaluation recommended |
| Lesion with honey-colored crust or spreading redness | Possible secondary bacterial infection | Maybe | Rapidly spreading redness, fever, or pus |
| Single painful ulcer inside the mouth | Aphthous ulcer, trauma, or alternative cause | Maybe | Large ulcers, dehydration, or inability to eat or drink |
| Cold sore in severe immunosuppression | Higher-risk course | Often no | In-person evaluation recommended |
| Recurrent lesion in the same spot that never heals | Alternative diagnosis | No | Dermatology or in-person evaluation recommended |
| Facial rash with severe pain and blisters in a band | Possible shingles | No | Urgent evaluation recommended, especially near the eye |
Conditions That Can Mimic a Cold Sore
Several conditions can look similar to herpes labialis. TeleDirectMD screens for these possibilities and recommends in-person evaluation when needed.
- Aphthous ulcer (canker sore): Often inside the mouth rather than on the lip border.
- Impetigo: Bacterial infection with honey-colored crust, more common in children but can occur in adults.
- Angular cheilitis: Cracking and irritation at the corners of the mouth.
- Contact dermatitis: Irritation from lip products or allergens.
- Shingles: Painful band-like rash with blisters, typically on one side.
- Skin cancer: Non-healing lesion that requires in-person evaluation.
When a Video Visit Is Appropriate vs. When to Go In-Person
When a Video Visit Is Appropriate
- Adult 18+ with a typical recurrent cold sore pattern
- Tingling or early blisters within the last 48 hours
- Mild to moderate discomfort without severe swelling
- No eye symptoms
- No severe immunosuppression
- Able to take oral medications and keep fluids down
- Physically located in Georgia at the time of the video visit
Red Flags Requiring In-Person or ER Care
- Eye redness, eye pain, light sensitivity, or blurred vision
- Widespread sores, high fever, or feeling very ill
- Severe immunosuppression with extensive lesions
- Non-healing lesion or concern for cancer
- Severe facial pain with rash, concern for shingles
- Signs of bacterial infection such as rapidly spreading redness or pus
Treatment Options for Adult Cold Sores
Antiviral medications can shorten outbreaks and reduce symptom severity, especially when started early. TeleDirectMD uses guideline-based criteria to determine whether episodic antiviral treatment is appropriate.
Supportive Care
- Keep the area clean and avoid picking at blisters or crusts
- Use lip balm to reduce cracking as lesions heal
- Acetaminophen or ibuprofen for discomfort (if safe for you)
- Avoid kissing or oral contact during active sores
| Medication | Dose | Duration | When used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valacyclovir | 2,000 mg by mouth 2 times daily | 1 day | Recurrent herpes labialis, started as early as possible |
| Valacyclovir | 1,000 mg by mouth 2 times daily | 1 day | Alternative episodic regimen when appropriate |
| Acyclovir | 400 mg by mouth 3 times daily | 5 days | Alternative episodic regimen when appropriate |
| Docosanol topical 10% | Apply to lesion 5 times daily | Up to 10 days | Optional OTC adjunct started early |
| Lidocaine topical 2% | Apply thin layer to painful area up to 4 times daily | Up to 3 days | Short-term pain relief when appropriate |
TeleDirectMD does not prescribe controlled substances. If you have eye symptoms, widespread lesions, severe immune suppression, or atypical non-healing lesions, we will direct you to urgent in-person care.
Home Care, Recovery, and Return to Work
Many cold sores improve within 7–10 days. Antivirals work best when started early, and supportive care can reduce discomfort. Avoid close contact during active lesions to reduce transmission.
- Start antiviral medication as soon as symptoms begin for best results.
- Avoid kissing and sharing cups, utensils, lip balm, or towels during outbreaks.
- Wash hands after touching the area to prevent spreading HSV to the eyes.
- Consider sunscreen lip protection if sun exposure triggers outbreaks.
Most adults can work as tolerated if they feel well. TeleDirectMD can provide a brief work note when medically appropriate as part of your $49 visit.
Seek urgent evaluation for eye pain or redness, severe facial pain with rash, high fever with widespread sores, or a lesion that does not heal.
What to Expect From Your TeleDirectMD Visit
TeleDirectMD provides adult-only, MD-only virtual urgent care by secure video. Visits last about 10–15 minutes and cost $49 as a flat cash fee with no insurance involvement. During your cold sore visit, the MD will review your symptoms, history of HSV, and red flags to decide whether telehealth treatment is safe.
If your symptoms fit a typical recurrent herpes labialis pattern and no red flags are present, we can send an electronic prescription for antiviral treatment to your preferred local pharmacy in Georgia when appropriate. If you need urgent eye evaluation or in-person assessment instead, we will explain why and guide you on the safest next step.
We do not prescribe controlled substances.
Cold Sore Treatment FAQ
Can cold sores be treated safely online?
Often, yes. Telehealth is well suited for typical recurrent cold sores. TeleDirectMD screens for red flags like eye symptoms, widespread lesions, immune suppression, or atypical non-healing lesions that require in-person evaluation.
How soon should I start antiviral medication?
Antivirals work best when started early, ideally during the tingling or burning prodrome or within 24–48 hours of the first blisters appearing.
Which medication is most commonly used?
Valacyclovir is a common option for episodic treatment of herpes labialis, often taken as a short course. The MD will tailor treatment to your medical history and the timing of symptoms.
Are cold sores the same as canker sores?
No. Cold sores are caused by HSV and usually occur on the lip border or nearby skin. Canker sores are not caused by HSV and usually occur inside the mouth. The MD will help differentiate based on appearance and symptoms.
Can a cold sore spread to my eye?
Yes. HSV can infect the eye and can cause a serious condition. Avoid touching sores, wash hands often, and seek urgent eye evaluation for eye pain, redness, light sensitivity, or blurred vision.
What if I get cold sores frequently?
Frequent outbreaks may benefit from preventive strategies and in some cases suppressive antiviral therapy. TeleDirectMD can discuss options and help coordinate longer-term follow-up with a primary care clinician.
Is it safe to kiss or share drinks during an outbreak?
No. Avoid kissing and sharing cups, utensils, lip balm, or towels during active sores because HSV transmission risk is higher when lesions are present.
When should I seek urgent in-person care?
Seek urgent evaluation for eye pain or redness, widespread sores with high fever, severe immune suppression, severe facial pain with rash, or a lesion that does not heal.
Can you provide a work note for a cold sore visit?
TeleDirectMD can provide a brief work note when medically appropriate as part of the $49 visit. The note is brief and does not include sensitive details unless you request it.
Which states do you serve for online cold sore care?
TeleDirectMD currently serves adults located in Georgia and in more than 25 additional states. During booking, you will confirm that you are physically located in a licensed state at the time of your visit.