Cold Sores

NHSL Antimicrobial Guidelines
NHS Lanarkshire

Cold sores

Cold sores resolve after 7–10 days without treatment. Topical antivirals applied prodromally reduce duration by 12-24hrs.

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 22/03/2021

Next review date: 22/03/2024

Author(s): NHS Lanarkshire Antimicrobial Management Committee, Dr Dundas, Dr Hylands, S McCormick.

Approved By: AMC; ADTC

Reviewer name(s): NHS Lanarkshire Antimicrobial Management Committee.