At AMAE Clinic, we provide expert care to help manage cold sores with effective antiviral treatments. These medications can reduce the severity and duration of outbreaks and help prevent the virus from spreading, so you can get back to feeling like yourself sooner.
What Are Cold Sores?
Cold sores are small, painful blisters that often appear on the lips, cheeks, or nose. They are caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) and are highly contagious, spreading through direct skin-to-skin contact.
While there is no cure for HSV, antiviral medication can effectively manage symptoms by preventing the virus from multiplying.
Cold Sore Treatments We Provide
Oral Antiviral Medication (Tablets)
- How They Work: Reduces the severity and duration of cold sore outbreaks.
- When Used: During an active outbreak or to prepare for the next recurrence.
Included Services ✅
- Prescription for antiviral medication for a current outbreak ✅
- Prescription to prepare for the next recurrence ✅
- Treatment for lesions on the lips, mouth, or chin area ✅
- Availability for people previously diagnosed with cold sores ✅
Excluded Services ❌
- First-time cold sore diagnosis ❌
- New lesions in unusual locations (inside the mouth, nose, ears) ❌
- Lesions around or on the eye (requires urgent medical attention) ❌
- Suppression therapy (long-term prevention) ❌
- Cases involving severe kidney disease ❌
- Treatment for immunocompromised patients ❌
- Situations where the patient is feeling unwell or has a fever ❌
How It Works
✨ Here’s How Our Prescription Service Works from the Comfort of Your Home ✨
Requesting a prescription with Amae Clinic is quick, secure, and easy. 🏡💻
Step 1:
Complete a Quick Online Questionnaire
Fill out a short, secure online questionnaire on your phone, tablet, or laptop. It takes only a few minutes to provide us with the information we need.
Step 2:
Medical Review by a Doctor
An Irish-registered doctor will carefully review your details to ensure that this treatment is safe and suitable for you. If additional information is needed, the doctor will contact you via your secure patient account.
Step 3:
Receive Your Prescription
Once approved, your prescription will be sent directly to an Irish pharmacy of your choice via secure Healthmail.
Comprehensive Cold Sore Treatment Information
This service is suitable if you:
✅ Are 17 years or older.
✅ Have been previously diagnosed with cold sores by a healthcare professional.
✅ Require treatment for a current outbreak or are preparing for a future recurrence.
✅ Your cold sore lesions are located on the lips, mouth, or chin area.
Cold sores are caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), which is highly contagious and spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact. Most individuals are exposed to HSV during childhood, often through kisses from infected family members.
Once infected, the virus remains in the body for life. While some individuals never experience symptoms, others may have recurrent outbreaks.
Yes, there are two types:
- HSV Type 1: Causes over 90% of cold sores.
- HSV Type 2: Primarily associated with genital herpes but can also cause cold sores if it infects the mouth area.
- Initial Signs: Pain, burning, or numbness at the site before blisters form.
- Blisters: Fluid-filled blisters appear within 24 hours, weep, and then scab over before healing within 7–10 days.
- Cold sores are often self-limiting and settle without treatment.
Triggers vary but may include:
- Feeling unwell (e.g., viral infection or fever).
- Sun or wind exposure (use SPF daily to prevent flares).
- Stress or fatigue.
- Hormonal changes (e.g., menstrual cycle).
- Skin injury (e.g., chapped lips).
- Avoid touching or picking at sores.
- Refrain from kissing or skin contact with others.
- Avoid oral sex during an active outbreak (can cause genital herpes).
- Do not share lip balm, towels, utensils, or personal items.
- Wash your hands frequently.
Be especially cautious around:
- Immunocompromised individuals: HSV can be serious for those with weakened immune systems.
- Babies and young children: They are at risk for neonatal herpes, a potentially life-threatening condition.
Common side effects may include:
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- Headache or dizziness.
- Photosensitivity (increased sensitivity to sunlight).
- Rash or fatigue.
If you experience severe or unusual symptoms, consult your doctor immediately. Always read the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) included with your medication.
Yes, antiviral creams are available over the counter at pharmacies. These can be effective when applied at the first sign of a cold sore (e.g., tingling).
You should seek a doctor’s advice in the following situations:
- Pregnancy: Specialized assessment is required.
- Persistent lesions: If they last more than 10 days or worsen despite treatment.
- Lesions in unusual locations: Inside the nose, mouth, or ears, or on/around the eyes (requires urgent medical attention).
- General illness: Fever, headache, or malaise.
- Weakened immune system: Additional precautions are necessary.
These cases may require a more detailed clinical evaluation to ensure appropriate care.
Why Choose AMAE Clinic?
- ✨ Trusted Expertise: Irish Medical Council-registered doctors review your prescription for safety.
- 💻 Convenient Access: Avoid the waiting room—get your prescription online.
- 💰 Affordable Care: Prescriptions starting at €25.
- 🔒 Secure Service: Your privacy and health information are protected.