Cold sore
A cold sore usually starts with tingling or itching before a blister appears — and starting treatment right at that point can shorten how long it lasts. This visit gets you a clinician's assessment and a plan, fast.
1:1 virtual visit with a clinician experienced in dermatology
Insurance accepted, with clear pricing per visit
A care plan built from your full health history
Visit options
We'll check any insurance and show you your options before you book.
Video Visit
$25
Est. or $100 w/o insurance
Chat Visit
$30
w/o insurance
Most insurance accepted
Board-certified clinicians
No hidden fees
Available nationwide
What to expect from a cold sore visit
1
Share your health story
Tell us where you are in the outbreak and how often this happens.
2
Meet your clinician
Confirm the diagnosis and discuss treatment options.
3
Get your care plan
Leave with a prescription if appropriate, ideally started early.
4
Own your health
Follow up if outbreaks are frequent and you want a prevention plan.
All your care in one place. That’s the General Medicine difference.
We help you understand your options, connect you to the right clinicians, manage prescriptions, coordinate any needed evaluations, and keep an eye on your overall health along the way. It’s comprehensive care that looks at the full picture — your goals, your history, your lifestyle — and makes it simple to move forward with confidence.
Is a cold sore visit right for you?
Starting treatment early makes a real difference in how long a cold sore sticks around.
You feel the early tingling or itching that signals a cold sore starting
You already have a visible blister and want treatment
You get cold sores often and want a prevention plan
Over-the-counter treatments haven't shortened your outbreaks
You want a prescription option on hand for next time
What our customers have to say
“I feel like I’m finally on the right path to improving my health with the right support now! It’s so refreshing and reassuring.”
Emerald
“My experience with General Medicine was amazing. The understanding and care that was taken to figure out what is exactly going on with me. I feel like a weight has been lifted off of me.”
Kaylee
“I couldn’t be happier with my experience with General Medicine! They are fast, responsive, kind and knowledgeable. It is much easier, more affordable and faster.”
Nika
Get treatment started early
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Frequently asked questions
What causes cold sores?
The herpes simplex virus, usually HSV-1, which stays in the body after the initial infection and can reactivate periodically, often triggered by stress, illness, or sun exposure. Once you're infected, the virus stays with you permanently, though many people have very infrequent outbreaks.
How soon should I start treatment?
As early as possible — ideally at the first tingling, itching, or burning sensation, before a blister actually forms, since early treatment shortens the outbreak significantly. Waiting until a blister has already formed significantly reduces how much treatment can help.
Are cold sores contagious?
Yes, especially when a blister is present or fluid is visible — avoiding close contact during an outbreak helps reduce spread. The virus can occasionally spread even without visible symptoms, though this is less common. This is especially true right before and during an active outbreak.
Can I prevent cold sores from coming back?
If they're frequent, a daily preventive medication can reduce how often they happen — your clinician can discuss whether that fits your situation. Identifying and managing personal triggers like sun exposure or stress can also help reduce frequency. Sun protection on the lips specifically can also help reduce how often they recur.
What side effects are associated with cold sore treatments?
Antiviral medications used for cold sores are generally well tolerated, with headache or mild nausea reported occasionally; serious side effects are uncommon at the doses typically prescribed. Starting treatment early doesn't increase these risks, so there's no downside to prompt treatment.