Learn about Cold Sores Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Cold Sores and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Cold Sores

Cold sores, also known as herpes labialis, are common viral infections caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). A dermatologist provides expert diagnosis and management for these painful, fluid-filled blisters that typically appear on or around the lips. Treatment focuses on reducing the severity and duration of outbreaks, preventing transmission, and managing recurrent episodes. A dermatologist may prescribe topical antiviral creams (e.g., acyclovir, penciclovir) or oral antiviral medications (e.g., valacyclovir, famciclovir) to accelerate healing. For frequent or severe outbreaks, they may recommend long-term suppressive therapy. The consultation also includes patient education on triggers, proper lesion care to prevent bacterial superinfection, and strategies to minimize recurrence and spread to others.

Key Highlights

    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.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0 days (Outpatient procedure)
  • checked 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.

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.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India INR 500 – 3 Thousand 0 days (Outpatient procedure) ~ 7-14 days Know More
Turkey TRY 1.75 Thousand – 10.5 Thousand 0 days (Outpatient procedure) ~ 7-14 days Know More

Top hospitals for Cold Sores in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated dermatology teams and experience managing patients undergoing cold sores.

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279+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Jaipur

  • IconJaipur, India
  • Icon55 Doctors
PATIENT REVIEW

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.

Dr. Khushboo Jha
  • 32 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital,, Faridabad

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Shruti Lakhanpal Tandon
  • 30 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. KUNA RAMADAS
  • 30 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad

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Dr. Sugandhan S
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai

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Dr. Shazia Zaidi
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Himani Mavi
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida

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Dr. Alia Abbas Rizivi
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida

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Dr. DEEPIKA J SANBAL
  • 7 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad

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Dr. Vindhya Raparla
  • 7 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai

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Dr. S. SUSHMA SUKRUTHI
  • 6 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad

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Dr. Sushmitha Asokan
  • 3 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai

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Dr. SK MD Amanur Rahaman
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata

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Dr. Ashwini K C
  • 7 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Imran Wali
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata

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Dr. Gargi Taneja
  • 5 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1200
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon

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Dr. Aishwarya Devaraj
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon

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Dr. Shankar D Desai D
  • 40 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 650
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore

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Dr. Pankaj Kanti Jha
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata

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Dr. Col. Aradhana Sood
  • 26 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Doddaballapur, Bangalore

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Dr. Alok Kumar Roy
  • 43 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated