Cold Sore Treatment in Tennessee (Herpes Labialis, HSV-1)
Tennessee adult care by secure video visit, self pay option starting at $49, MD-only, insurance is not required.
Cold sores, also called fever blisters or herpes labialis, are most commonly caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Many outbreaks start with tingling, burning, or itching on the lip before a cluster of small blisters appears. TeleDirectMD evaluates cold sores by reviewing symptom pattern, outbreak timing, prior history, triggers, immune status, and red flags that suggest a different diagnosis or urgent eye involvement. When clinically appropriate, we provide evidence based treatment options to shorten outbreaks and reduce discomfort, plus prevention guidance to reduce spread and recurrence. Common Tennessee cities served include Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Clarksville, Murfreesboro, and Franklin.
- Self pay option starting at $49
- MD-only care (no mid-levels)
- Insurance is not required
- Licensed telehealth care for patients located in Tennessee at the time of the visit
Last reviewed on February 27, 2026 by Parth Bhavsar, MD
Online MD-Only Cold Sore Care in Tennessee
- Focused evaluation for HSV-1 cold sores and fever blisters
- Red-flag screening for eye involvement and severe infection
- Outbreak treatment options and prevention guidance
- Prescriptions when clinically appropriate
Adults 18+ only. TeleDirectMD is not an emergency service. Eye pain, eye redness, light sensitivity, vision changes, or rapidly spreading facial swelling needs urgent in-person evaluation. TeleDirectMD does not prescribe controlled substances.
Cold Sore Telehealth Eligibility Checklist for Tennessee
You are likely eligible for a TeleDirectMD video visit if ALL of these are true:
✓ You Are Eligible If
- You are 18 years old or older
- You are physically located in Tennessee at the time of the visit
- Your sores are on or around the lips and match a typical cold sore pattern
- No eye pain, eye redness, light sensitivity, or vision changes
- No rapidly spreading facial swelling, severe headache, or confusion
- You can share relevant history such as immune suppression, transplant, chemotherapy, or HIV
- Insurance is not required. A self pay option is available.
✗ You Are Not Eligible If
- You are under 18 years old
- Eye pain, eye redness, light sensitivity, or vision changes
- Widespread blisters on face or body, or severe illness appearance
- Rapidly worsening facial swelling or severe skin pain
- Severe headache, neck stiffness, confusion, or neurologic symptoms
- Concern for a severe bacterial skin infection around the mouth
If you have red-flag symptoms, seek urgent in-person care immediately. TeleDirectMD is not an emergency service.
How Online Cold Sore Treatment Works in Tennessee
Book your video visit
Insurance is not required. No referral needed. If possible, book as soon as you notice tingling or a new blister because early treatment can help most. Have photos ready in good lighting, your medication list, and your allergy history.
See a Tennessee licensed MD
We review your symptoms, timing, prior outbreaks, immune status, and potential triggers. We screen for red flags, especially eye symptoms that can suggest herpes keratitis or other urgent conditions. If the pattern fits herpes labialis and treatment is safe, we discuss evidence based options to shorten the outbreak and reduce pain.
Get a clear plan and prescriptions when appropriate
If clinically appropriate, we send an e-prescription to common Tennessee pharmacies such as CVS, Walgreens, Walmart Pharmacy, Kroger Pharmacy, and Publix Pharmacy. You also receive prevention guidance to reduce spread, including contact precautions and when you are most contagious.
Tennessee Telehealth Regulations for Online Cold Sore Treatment
Tennessee law recognizes that a provider-patient relationship for telehealth is created by mutual consent and mutual communication between the patient and the provider, with important limits on what alone creates a relationship. (Tennessee Code § 63-1-155)
Tennessee medical rules require appropriate licensure to practice medicine on a patient within Tennessee, including remotely, and telemedicine care must meet the standard of care. (Tenn. Comp. R. and Regs. 0880-02-.16)
Location matters: you must be physically in Tennessee during the visit. Insurance is not required. TeleDirectMD does not prescribe controlled substances.
TeleDirectMD vs Other Care Options for Cold Sores in Tennessee
Here is how TeleDirectMD compares to common settings for adult cold sore care in Tennessee:
| Care option | Typical cost | Wait time | Provider type | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TeleDirectMD | Self pay option starting at $49 | Same day, often within hours | Board-certified MD only (no mid-levels) | Typical cold sores, early outbreak treatment, prevention guidance, prescriptions when appropriate |
| Urgent Care | $150 to $300+ (before insurance) | 1 to 3 hours typical | MD, DO, PA, or NP | Uncertain diagnosis, severe facial swelling, possible bacterial infection |
| Emergency Room | $500 to $3,000+ (before insurance) | 2 to 6 hours typical | Emergency medicine MD or DO | Eye symptoms, severe systemic symptoms, confusion, or concern for meningitis or encephalitis |
| Primary Care | $100 to $250+ (varies) | 3 to 14 days typical | Family medicine or internal medicine MD or DO | Recurrent outbreaks, prevention planning, suppressive therapy discussion and follow-up |
| Ophthalmology | $200 to $500+ (varies) | Same day urgent if needed | Ophthalmologist MD | Eye pain, redness, light sensitivity, or vision change with suspected herpes eye involvement |
Bottom line: TeleDirectMD is a strong fit for typical cold sores in adults when the pattern fits herpes labialis and there are no red flags, especially when you book early in the outbreak.
Should I Use TeleDirectMD for Cold Sores in Tennessee? Decision Guide
Use this step-by-step guide to choose the right level of care:
Do you have emergency warning signs?
- Eye pain, eye redness, light sensitivity, or vision changes
- Severe headache, neck stiffness, confusion, or fainting
- Rapidly spreading facial swelling or severe skin pain
- Widespread blistering rash or severe illness appearance
If yes, go to urgent care or the ER now
If no, continue to Step 2
Are you 18+ and currently in Tennessee?
If yes, continue to Step 3
If no, use in-person care as appropriate
Does your symptom pattern fit a cold sore?
- Tingling or burning on the lip followed by a cluster of small blisters
- Lesions are on or near the lips, not primarily inside the mouth
- Similar prior episodes or known HSV-1 history
- No eye symptoms
If yes, continue to Step 4
If the diagnosis is uncertain, in-person evaluation may be preferred
You are likely appropriate for a TeleDirectMD video visit
We evaluate your outbreak, screen for red flags, and provide treatment options and prevention guidance. Prescriptions are provided only when clinically appropriate and safe for your medical history and medication profile.
What Does Online Cold Sore Treatment Cost in Tennessee?
Transparent options. Insurance is not required.
TeleDirectMD Video Visit
$49
Self pay option. Insurance is not required.
- MD evaluation and red-flag screening
- Review of outbreak timing and symptoms
- Treatment options discussion to shorten outbreaks
- Prevention guidance to reduce spread
- Prescription when clinically appropriate
- Clear follow-up and safety instructions
Typical Cost Comparison
Common ranges people see before insurance. Actual costs vary.
Prescription costs at your pharmacy are separate and vary by medication and pharmacy. Many antivirals are available as generics.
No hidden fees. If medication is not clinically appropriate, you still receive a complete evaluation, self-care plan, and clear follow-up instructions.
What Are Cold Sores?
Cold sores are recurrent blistering lesions most commonly caused by HSV-1. After the first infection, the virus remains in the body and can reactivate, often producing outbreaks at the same spot on the lip. Outbreaks commonly follow triggers such as stress, illness, sun exposure, or sleep disruption.
Cold sores are contagious, especially when blisters are present, but transmission can occur even without visible sores. The most infectious period is typically from the first tingling to the time the lesions crust over and heal.
TeleDirectMD focuses on adult evaluation and treatment options for herpes labialis outbreaks, plus prevention steps to reduce spread and recurrence.
Causes and Risk Factors for Cold Sores (HSV-1)
HSV-1 spreads through close contact with saliva or skin, commonly through kissing or sharing items that touch the mouth. Once infected, outbreaks can recur due to viral reactivation.
Common Triggers and Risk Factors
- Illness and fever: many people notice outbreaks after viral infections.
- Stress and sleep disruption: can increase outbreak frequency for some people.
- Sun exposure: UV exposure can trigger lip outbreaks.
- Immune suppression: higher risk of severe or prolonged outbreaks.
- Skin irritation: chapped lips or local trauma can contribute.
Myth to avoid: cold sores are not caused by poor hygiene. They are a viral condition with periods of dormancy and reactivation.
Symptoms and Red Flags for Cold Sores in Tennessee
Most cold sores are self-limited but can be painful and socially disruptive. Some symptoms require urgent in-person evaluation, especially eye symptoms.
| Symptom or situation | What it suggests | Telehealth appropriate? | Red flag requiring urgent in-person care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tingling on lip followed by clustered blisters, similar prior episodes | Typical herpes labialis outbreak | Yes, especially early | None |
| Crusting and healing lesion on lip | Resolving outbreak | Often yes | Rapidly spreading facial swelling |
| Severe pain, thick honey-colored crust, spreading redness | Possible bacterial superinfection such as impetigo | Sometimes, for triage | Rapid spread, fever, severe swelling |
| Eye pain, redness, light sensitivity, blurry vision | Possible herpes eye involvement | No | Urgent evaluation needed today |
| Widespread blisters, severe illness appearance | Possible disseminated infection or alternate diagnosis | No | Urgent evaluation needed |
| Severe headache, neck stiffness, confusion | Possible central nervous system involvement | No | Emergency evaluation needed |
Differential Diagnosis: Cold Sores vs Look-Alike Conditions
Several conditions can mimic cold sores. TeleDirectMD screens for alternatives and directs you to in-person care when needed.
Often Fits a Cold Sore Pattern
- Tingling or burning followed by clustered blisters on the lip border
- Similar outbreaks in the same location
- Healing within about 7 to 14 days
- Trigger pattern such as stress or sun exposure
Common Look-Alikes
- Impetigo: honey-colored crust, spreading skin infection.
- Aphthous ulcers: canker sores inside the mouth, not on the lip border.
- Angular cheilitis: cracking at mouth corners, often fungal or irritant related.
- Contact dermatitis: irritation from new lip products or toothpaste.
- Shingles: painful blistering rash in a band pattern, usually one side.
- Herpes eye disease: eye pain or vision symptoms, urgent condition.
If your lesions are rapidly spreading, extremely painful, associated with fever, or involve the eye, urgent in-person evaluation is recommended.
When Is a Video Visit Appropriate for Cold Sores in Tennessee?
When a Video Visit Is Appropriate
- Typical cold sores on or near the lips
- Early outbreak with tingling or new blisters
- Need for treatment options and prevention guidance
- Recurrent outbreaks where you want faster access to care
- Located in Tennessee at time of visit
Red Flags Requiring In-Person or ER Care
- Eye pain, redness, light sensitivity, or vision changes
- Rapidly spreading facial swelling or severe skin pain
- Severe headache, neck stiffness, confusion
- Widespread blisters or severe illness appearance
- Severe immune suppression with extensive lesions
If any red-flag symptoms are present, seek urgent in-person care immediately. TeleDirectMD is not an emergency service.
Treatment Options for Cold Sores
Cold sore treatment focuses on shortening the outbreak, reducing pain, and reducing spread. Antiviral medications are most effective when started early, ideally at the first tingling or within the first day of visible sores.
Antiviral Medications
Prescription antivirals can reduce symptom duration and viral shedding for many patients. Options include oral antivirals and, in selected cases, topical antivirals. The best choice depends on timing, kidney function, other medications, and outbreak frequency.
Over-the-Counter Options
Supportive care can reduce discomfort. Options include topical protectants, pain relief, and docosanol cream in some cases. Ice packs and avoiding lip irritation can help.
Prevention and Suppressive Therapy
If you have frequent outbreaks or outbreaks that significantly disrupt daily life, daily suppressive antiviral therapy may be considered as part of a longer-term plan, usually with periodic follow-up and individualized risk review.
What TeleDirectMD Does Not Manage
- Eye involvement or suspected herpes keratitis
- Severe immune suppression with extensive lesions
- Widespread blistering rash or severe systemic symptoms
- Neurologic symptoms suggesting central nervous system involvement
Common Cold Sore Medications and Options
Examples below are informational. The MD selects the safest option based on your history, timing, kidney function when relevant, and medication interactions.
| Option | Examples | Used for | Key considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oral antiviral | Valacyclovir, famciclovir, acyclovir | Shorten outbreaks when started early | Effectiveness is highest when started at first tingling. Kidney function and medication interactions can affect dosing. |
| Topical antiviral | Penciclovir cream, acyclovir cream in some settings | May reduce duration modestly for some people | Typically less effective than oral therapy. Use is based on preference and availability. |
| OTC antiviral cream | Docosanol cream | May shorten symptoms if started early | Most helpful at early tingling stage. Not a substitute for urgent eye evaluation if eye symptoms occur. |
| Supportive care | Cold compress, lip barrier ointment, oral pain reliever | Reduce discomfort and protect skin | Avoid picking scabs. Avoid irritating lip products during outbreaks. |
Important: Medication choice depends on outbreak timing, kidney function when relevant, immune status, and medication interaction screening. TeleDirectMD does not prescribe controlled substances.
Home Care, Recovery, Prevention, and Follow-up
What to Do During an Outbreak
- Start treatment as early as possible if you are using antiviral therapy
- Use cold compresses to reduce pain and swelling
- Apply a bland lip barrier to prevent cracking and bleeding
- Avoid picking scabs because this can worsen irritation and prolong healing
How to Reduce Spread
- Avoid kissing and oral contact during tingling, blistering, and active healing
- Do not share drinks, utensils, lip balm, razors, or towels during outbreaks
- Wash hands after touching the area
- Avoid oral contact with infants and immunocompromised people during outbreaks
Prevention Strategies
- Use lip sunscreen if sun exposure triggers outbreaks
- Manage sleep and stress when possible
- If outbreaks are frequent, discuss long-term prevention options and follow-up planning
When to Seek Follow-up
- Outbreaks are increasing in frequency or severity
- Lesions are not improving or are worsening after several days
- New symptoms such as fever, spreading redness, or severe swelling
- Any eye symptoms occur
When Not to Use TeleDirectMD for Cold Sores in Tennessee
TeleDirectMD is designed for adult cold sore evaluation and outbreak treatment planning when the clinical picture fits and there are no red flags.
You Should Not Use TeleDirectMD If
- Eye symptoms: eye pain, redness, light sensitivity, or vision changes.
- Severe systemic symptoms: severe headache, confusion, neck stiffness.
- Rapidly spreading facial swelling: possible bacterial infection or severe inflammation.
- Widespread blistering rash: possible alternate diagnosis needing urgent evaluation.
- Severe immune suppression with extensive lesions: needs in-person evaluation.
- You are not physically in Tennessee: you must be in-state at the time of visit.
Alternative Care Options
- Emergency room or 911: neurologic symptoms, severe illness, severe swelling, eye symptoms with vision change
- Urgent care: severe facial swelling, possible bacterial superinfection, uncertain diagnosis
- Ophthalmology urgent visit: any eye pain or vision symptoms
- Primary care: frequent outbreaks and suppressive therapy planning
Cold Sore FAQs for Tennessee
Can I get cold sore treatment online in Tennessee?
Yes, many typical cold sores can be evaluated by video visit when symptoms fit herpes labialis and there are no red flags such as eye symptoms or severe facial swelling. TeleDirectMD reviews your history, timing, and risk factors and provides treatment options and prescriptions when appropriate.
How much does online cold sore treatment cost in Tennessee?
TeleDirectMD offers a transparent self pay option starting at $49 for an adult video visit in Tennessee. Insurance is not required. Prescription costs at your pharmacy are separate.
What is the difference between cold sores and canker sores?
Cold sores are usually HSV-1 blisters on the lip border or skin near the mouth. Canker sores are ulcers inside the mouth and are not caused by HSV. The location and appearance help distinguish them.
When should I start treatment for a cold sore?
Early treatment is usually most effective. If you notice tingling, burning, or a new blister, starting treatment early can help shorten the outbreak for many people.
Are cold sores contagious?
Yes. Cold sores are most contagious from the first tingling through the blistering and healing phase. Avoid kissing and avoid sharing items that touch the mouth during outbreaks.
What symptoms mean I should get urgent in-person care?
Seek urgent evaluation for eye pain, eye redness, light sensitivity, or vision changes. Also seek urgent care for rapidly spreading facial swelling, severe headache with confusion, neck stiffness, or widespread blistering rash.
Can I prevent cold sores?
You can often reduce outbreaks by avoiding triggers when possible, using lip sunscreen if sun is a trigger, and maintaining sleep and stress control. For frequent outbreaks, daily suppressive antiviral therapy may be considered as part of a long-term plan.
Will antibiotics help a cold sore?
No. Cold sores are caused by a virus, so antibiotics do not treat the cause. Antibiotics may be used only if there is a separate bacterial skin infection diagnosed.
How quickly will I get my prescription after the video visit?
If medication is clinically appropriate, TeleDirectMD typically sends an e-prescription to your chosen Tennessee pharmacy soon after the visit. Fill times vary by pharmacy.
Does TeleDirectMD treat cold sores in other states?
Yes. TeleDirectMD offers adult evaluations via video visits across multiple states. You must be physically located in the state where you are requesting care at the time of the visit.
Can I use my insurance for a TeleDirectMD visit?
Insurance is not required. If your plan is eligible, you may be able to use insurance. A self pay option is also available.
Need cold sore treatment today?
Insurance is not required. Adult-only video visits. MD-only care. Safety-first triage, treatment options, and prescriptions only when appropriate.
References
TeleDirectMD Telehealth Disclaimer
TeleDirectMD provides MD-only virtual urgent care for adults (18+) in Tennessee using secure video visits to evaluate cold sores, provide evidence based guidance, and prescribe medication when clinically appropriate. Insurance is not required. You must be physically located in Tennessee at the time of your video visit. TeleDirectMD does not prescribe controlled substances.
TeleDirectMD is not an emergency service and is not a replacement for in-person evaluation when eye involvement, severe facial swelling, severe systemic symptoms, or neurologic symptoms are possible. Eye pain, redness, light sensitivity, or vision change needs urgent in-person evaluation.
Online cold sore treatment in Tennessee. Cold sore medication online. Fever blister treatment online.