Cold Sores (Antimicrobial)

TAM (Treatments and Medicines) NHS Highland
NHS Highland

Cold sores resolve after 7 to 10 days without treatment. Topical antivirals applied prodromally reduce duration by 12 to 24hrs and are therefore not cost effective.

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 28/03/2024

Next review date: 28/03/2027

Author(s): Antimicrobial Management Team.

Version: 2

Approved By: TAM Subgroup of ADTC

Reviewer name(s): Alison Macdonald, Area Antimicrobial Pharmacist.

Document Id: AMT164