Cold Sore Treatment London: Same-Day Antivirals From An Online GP

A cold sore always seems to arrive before something important: a wedding, a presentation, a holiday. The tingling starts, and within a day a painful blister appears on or around the lip. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus, usually HSV-1, and around two thirds of adults carry the virus, whether or not they ever get symptoms. The good news is that treatment works best when it starts early, and an online GP can prescribe antiviral tablets the same day, often before the blister fully forms. At The Online GP by The Wellness, cold sore consultations are handled by UK-registered doctors, with prescriptions sent to your local pharmacy.

What is a cold sore?

A cold sore is a small cluster of fluid-filled blisters, usually on the lip or around the mouth, caused by reactivation of the herpes simplex virus. After a first infection, often in childhood, the virus lies dormant in the nerve and can reactivate when triggered. Common triggers include illness, strong sunlight, stress, tiredness, hormonal changes and anything that temporarily lowers your immune defences.

The typical pattern is a tingling, itching or burning feeling for a day or so, then blisters that break, crust over and heal within 7 to 10 days. Cold sores are contagious from the first tingle until the skin has fully healed, mainly through direct contact such as kissing or sharing lip products, towels and razors.

When to treat a cold sore properly

Most cold sores heal on their own, but treatment makes a real difference in three situations. First, when you catch it early: antiviral tablets started in the tingling phase can shorten the episode and sometimes stop the blister forming at all. Second, when outbreaks are frequent, severe or in a visible place at an important time. Third, when your immune system is weakened, because cold sores can then be larger, slower to heal and more likely to spread.

How an online GP can help today

With The Online GP by The Wellness, you can speak to a doctor the same day without sitting in a waiting room. Your doctor will confirm the diagnosis from your description and, where useful, a photo, check your medical history and prescribe treatment where appropriate. Prescriptions are sent electronically to a pharmacy you choose, so you can start treatment within hours, which is exactly when antivirals work best.

A phone consultation is £59 for 15 minutes, a video consultation is £150, and an in-person appointment at our Marylebone clinic is £220. Not sure whether your symptoms fit? Message us on WhatsApp for a free triage and we will point you to the right next step.

Treatment your doctor may prescribe

Antiviral tablets. Tablets such as aciclovir or valaciclovir are the most effective treatment for cold sores, especially when started in the first 48 hours. For people with frequent outbreaks, a doctor may discuss a short course taken at the first tingle each time, or daily suppressive treatment for a period.

Antiviral creams. Aciclovir cream can help if applied from the very first symptoms, though tablets are generally more effective for anything beyond a mild episode.

Self-care alongside treatment. Keep the area clean and dry, avoid touching the sore, wash your hands after applying any cream, do not share lip balm or towels, and use sun protection on your lips if sunlight is a trigger. Over-the-counter pain relief can help with discomfort.

When a cold sore needs urgent care

Seek same-day medical advice if a cold sore is near or in the eye, if you have eczema and develop widespread sores, if you are immunocompromised, or if a sore has not healed after two weeks. These situations need prompt assessment, and your doctor will tell you plainly if you need to be seen in person.

What does online cold sore treatment cost?

With The Online GP by The Wellness, a phone consultation is £59 for 15 minutes, a video consultation is £150, and an in-person consultation is £220. Private walk-in clinics in London commonly charge £100 to £250 for the same short appointment before any prescription costs. Your prescription is sent to a normal pharmacy, where you pay the pharmacy's own price for the medicine itself.

Why choose The Online GP by The Wellness

Every consultation is with a UK-registered, GMC-registered doctor, not a questionnaire reviewed by a call centre. Same-day appointments are available seven days a week, prescriptions go straight to your chosen pharmacy, and if your symptoms suggest something that needs a face-to-face examination, we say so and arrange it at our Marylebone clinic. You can read more in what an online GP can prescribe.

To get treated today, call 020 3951 3429, email team@thewellnesslondon.com or book an appointment online.

Frequently asked questions

Can an online GP prescribe cold sore tablets?

Yes. A doctor can prescribe antiviral tablets such as aciclovir or valaciclovir after a phone or video consultation, and the prescription is sent electronically to a pharmacy you choose, often the same day.

How quickly do cold sore tablets work?

Antiviral tablets work best when started within the first 48 hours, ideally during the tingling phase before the blister appears. Started early, they can shorten the episode and sometimes prevent the blister forming.

Are cold sores contagious?

Yes, from the first tingle until the skin has fully healed. Avoid kissing, oral sex and sharing lip products, towels or razors during an outbreak, and wash your hands after touching the area.

Why do my cold sores keep coming back?

The herpes simplex virus stays dormant in the nerve and can reactivate with triggers such as illness, sunlight, stress, tiredness and hormonal changes. If outbreaks are frequent, a doctor can discuss taking a tablet at the first tingle each time or daily suppressive treatment.

When is a cold sore serious?

Seek same-day advice if a sore is near the eye, if you have eczema and develop widespread sores, if you are immunocompromised, or if a sore has not healed after two weeks.

How much does an online cold sore consultation cost in London?

At The Online GP by The Wellness, a phone consultation is £59 for 15 minutes, a video consultation is £150 and an in-person appointment is £220. The prescription is sent to a local pharmacy, where you pay the pharmacy price for the medicine.

This article is for information and does not replace personal medical advice. Written by The Wellness Team and medically reviewed by The Wellness Clinical Team. Last updated October 2026.