Bidwell Health
I Feel a Cold Sore Starting — What Should I Do?
For recurrent cold sores, antiviral medication is usually most useful when started early, often during tingling, burning, itching, or tenderness before the sore is fully developed. Bidwell can review treatment only for adults with a prior diagnosis.
Why timing matters
Cold sores often have a prodrome before the visible blister appears. Because antivirals work on viral replication, early treatment is usually more helpful than waiting until the lesion is fully crusted.
What counts as early?
Early can mean the first day of symptoms or the familiar warning signs a patient has had before. If this is a new kind of sore, a first episode, or something near the eye, do not self-treat online.
What can Bidwell do?
Bidwell can review a recurrent cold sore history and consider oral antivirals or topical acyclovir cream when clinically appropriate. The visit does not require a video call or photo upload.
When should I get examined instead?
Get examined for first-ever sores, lesions near the eye, severe swelling, fever with severe illness, trouble swallowing, or if you are immunocompromised.