About Cold Sores
Key Highlights
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Expert diagnosis and management of herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) outbreaks.Prescription of effective antiviral medications to shorten healing time and reduce pain.Guidance on long-term suppressive therapy to prevent frequent recurrences.Professional advice on lesion care to prevent secondary bacterial infections.Patient education on identifying and avoiding personal triggers (e.g., stress, sunlight).Strategies to minimize the risk of transmitting the virus to others./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Initial presentation of painful blisters or sores on or around the lips.
- Frequent, severe, or prolonged cold sore outbreaks.
- Outbreaks that do not respond adequately to over-the-counter treatments.
- Cold sores accompanied by fever, swollen glands, or spreading infection.
- Presence of cold sores in immunocompromised individuals (e.g., HIV, chemotherapy).
- Need for prescription-strength medication for faster relief.
- Desire for a preventive treatment plan for recurrent episodes.
How to prepare
- Note the frequency, duration, and severity of past outbreaks.
- List all current medications, including over-the-counter supplements.
- Identify and note potential triggers (stress, illness, sun exposure).
- Avoid applying makeup or heavy lip balms over the active sores before the visit.
- Be prepared to discuss your medical history, including any immune system conditions.
- No specific fasting or major lifestyle changes are required for a consultation.
Risks & possible complications
- Medication side effects (e.g., headache, nausea with oral antivirals).
- Potential for viral resistance to antiviral medications with improper use.
- Secondary bacterial infection of the cold sore lesions if not kept clean.
- Scarring or changes in skin pigmentation, though rare with proper care.
- Recurrence of outbreaks, as the virus remains dormant in the body.
- Transmission of the virus to other body parts (auto-inoculation) or to other people.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Start prescribed antiviral medication at the first sign of tingling for best results.
- Keep the affected area clean and dry; avoid picking or peeling the scabs.
- Apply topical antiviral or recommended ointments as directed by your dermatologist.
- Use a lip balm with SPF to protect from sun exposure, a common trigger.
- Manage pain with over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen if approved by your doctor.
- Avoid close contact (kissing, sharing utensils) until sores are completely healed to prevent spread.
- Follow up if the sore does not heal within 10-14 days or if symptoms worsen.
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Typical hospital stay: 0 days (Outpatient procedure)
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Expected recovery time: 7-14 days
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering cold sores in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for cold sores in India include Manipal Hospital Jaipur, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform cold sores. MediFyr helps you compare dermatologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for cold sores compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Cold Sores in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated dermatology teams and experience managing patients undergoing cold sores.
Aarav Sharma, a 28-year-old software engineer,...
Aarav Sharma, a 28-year-old software engineer, had been battling recurrent cold sores since college. The painful, unsightly blusters would erupt on his upper lip 4-5 times a year, often triggered by stress or lack of sleep. As a team lead who frequently presented to clients, the outbreaks caused him immense anxiety and professional embarrassment. He had tried over-the-counter creams with limited success. His dermatologist, Dr. Kapoor, recommended a course of prescription antiviral medication (valacyclovir) to be taken at the very first sign of tingling, combined with a high-SPF lip balm for prevention. Aarav was initially skeptical but followed the protocol diligently. The treatment experience was straightforward, taking pills at the onset. The results were transformative; the sores either aborted completely or were significantly smaller and healed in 2-3 days instead of 10. Post-procedure, his outbreak frequency reduced by 70%. Emotionally, he journeyed from feeling self-conscious and plagued by a lack of control to feeling empowered and confident, no longer dreading his reflection or important meetings.
Dermatologists for Cold Sores
Explore experienced dermatologists who regularly perform cold sores and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 32 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
- 30 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 30 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 21 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 10 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 9 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 9 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 7 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 7 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 6 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 3 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 21 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 7 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata
- 5 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 8 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 40 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata
- 26 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Doddaballapur, Bangalore
- 43 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata