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Original poster

To go to the GP with coldsores

32 replies

Anxious256 · 15/10/2019 19:13

Ihave arround 8 coldsores round my mouth. Is there any point in going to the DR. Other points are feeling tinglie.

OP posts:
orangejuicer · 15/10/2019 19:18

Try the pharmacy first.

thesnapandfartisinfallible · 15/10/2019 19:18

Are you using antiviral cream already. If not then I wouldn't bother going as you can buy it over the counter and that's the first thing the GP will ask you.

RoseCaterpillar · 15/10/2019 19:20

Id say it's worth going to the docs for some prescribed cream if they are that bad. I get them loads and have stared taking l-lysine tablets and using a lysine lip balm and since then (fingers crossed!) I've had nothing.

bridgetreilly · 15/10/2019 19:21

Pharmacy, definitely.

ssd · 15/10/2019 19:22

Get gp to give you acyclovir tablets.

Original poster
Anxious256 · 15/10/2019 19:24

Yes already using an antiviral cream so dont know what else i could use.lr

OP posts:
Itsjustafly · 15/10/2019 19:24

I went a to the GP a few years ago for a similar problem (I had a very unsympathetic employer who did not want me customer facing with my family of cold sores) I was prescribed something, an anti viral tablet I think and they disappeared quickly and touch wood I've never had another and I used to get them fairly regularly.

Zebraaa · 15/10/2019 19:25

GP will prescribe acyclovir tablets. Definitely worth going.

GooseFeather · 15/10/2019 19:28

The cream is crap. By the time you are applying it to a tingle, the virus is already at skin level.

Get tablets (also acyclovir, same as the cream). Way more effective, being a systemic medication.

Also, get some l-lysine. Very helpful at reducing frequency and severity.

SprinkleDash · 15/10/2019 19:28

Take a daily L-Lysine supplement! I swear by it. Haven’t had a coldsore since!!

Original poster
Anxious256 · 15/10/2019 19:29

How well do the tablets work? I am feeling generally really rundown. Had a cold last week and still have a cough and was also sick yesterday and today. However, its the coldsores and mouth ulsers which are getting to me.

OP posts:
Fstar · 15/10/2019 19:31

Sorry not much help but i recommend a product called zilactin, its from the us so can get on amazon or ebay. If the cold sore is already out, it will sting like a mofo for a min, then it all dies down and its like putting a coat of plastic on so when you move your lips and mouth it doesnt hurt or crack open. If you get it early, it doesnt sting.

quietheart · 15/10/2019 19:31

Yes I agree with that many and tingling go to GP get the acyclovir, irs very good.

Original poster
Anxious256 · 15/10/2019 19:33

Will try some supliments. Its odd as have not really had any coldsores for years.

OP posts:
simplekindoflife · 15/10/2019 19:37

I swear by acyclovir tablets, they are really good.

I also use by the L-Lysine supplements. I got mine from H&B. They work really well.

SprinkleDash · 15/10/2019 19:41

These are the ones I take @Anxious256. I used to get coldsores all the damn time and haven’t had one since taking one of these a day!

To go to the GP with coldsores
TheMonkeyWhale · 15/10/2019 19:41

Is it on one side only? I had similar, but only on one side and it was shingles - definitely needed a GP. But actually saw the nurse as it was
a quicker wait and I didn’t realise it could be shingles. GP prescribed anti viral tablets.

TheMonkeyWhale · 15/10/2019 19:42

Don’t mean to scare you (shingles
Is only one side!)

Soberfutures · 15/10/2019 19:45

My doctor explained it like this. Iif u manage to catch it as a small tingle then the creams can work to a degree. But if you are prone to them and have a big outbreak aciclovar (sp) is the only way to get the medicine in your system.

So yes go and get an appointment and explain this and ask. It's usually a 5 day treatment. My gp used to give me 10 tablets so if it re ocurred I already had the 5 before the outbreak got worse.

FinnMcMissile · 15/10/2019 19:45

If you've got mouth ulcers as well, could it be hand foot and mouth?

SoyDora · 15/10/2019 19:46

I would see the GP.
I had a cluster of 14 when DD2 was about 4 months old (DD1 didn’t sleep, DD2 was going through the 4 month sleep regression and I didn’t get more than 40 mins sleep at a time for about a month... I get them when I’m tired and run down) and the GP prescribed the tablets.
I also take l-lysine daily and it really does reduce the number of cold sores I get, although occasionally one finds it’s way through (like last week when DS was up every 20 mins through the night for 3 nights).

Hopingtobeamum · 15/10/2019 22:58

Definitely go to the doctor. I'm a cold sore sufferer and regularly take aciclovir tablets.
When I get an outbreak I cover then ASAP with the clear round stickers I get from the pharmacy, but also take ibuprofen to ease the nerve pain associated with cold sores.
Just heard about some new liquorice balm today so I've ordered some to try.
Good luck and get that docs appointment ASAP x

Jollitwiglet · 15/10/2019 23:15

I would, it sounds like you're really run down at the moment.

As pp have mentioned, are you sure it is coldsores? I've had impetigo which I mistook for coldsores, likewise with shingles. And someone mentioned hand foot and mouth as well

AnybodyWantAChip · 15/10/2019 23:51

I buy aciclovir tablets from an online pharmacy and take them when I get the symptoms and it stops it dead in its tracks. Like you, it's not just one sore but often my whole bottom lip. It is excruciating and hideous. Tablets work a treat.

Original poster
Anxious256 · 16/10/2019 02:10

Thanks all. Will try to get an appointment in the morning. I am not 100% sure it is coldsores but the outbreak started in my usual place.

OP posts: