Materiały źródłowe

• #1 Cold sore – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cold-sore/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20371023

  Your health care provider can usually diagnose cold sores just by looking at them. To confirm the diagnosis, your health care provider might take a sample from the blister for testing in a laboratory. […] Cold sores often clear up without treatment in 2 to 4 weeks. Make an appointment with your primary care provider if your cold sores: Are lasting or severe. Return often. Are accompanied by eye pain or gritty eyes. […] Below are some basic questions to ask your health care provider about cold sores. Do I have a cold sore? What treatment do you recommend, if any? What self-care steps might ease my symptoms? Can I spread this condition to others? For how long? How do I reduce the risk of spreading this condition to others? How soon do you expect my symptoms will improve? Am I at risk of complications from this condition? Can I do anything to help prevent another blister?

• #2 Cold sores: Diagnosis and treatment

  https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/cold-sores-treatment

  For many people, a cold sore goes away without treatment in 7 to 14 days. However, some people need treatment to get rid of cold sores. Dermatologists recommend that you get medical care if you: […] Your dermatologist can often tell if you have a cold sore by looking at it. […] Your dermatologist may also dab a swab, called a culture swab, onto a cold sore to find out if it contains the herpes simplex virus (HSV). This is the virus that causes cold sores.

• #3 Cold sore – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cold-sore/symptoms-causes/syc-20371017

  Cold sores are a common viral infection. […] Cold sores usually heal in 2 to 3 weeks without leaving a scar. […] There’s no cure for cold sores, but treatment can help manage outbreaks. […] See your health care provider if: […] The cold sores don’t heal within two weeks. […] Your health care provider may prescribe an antiviral medicine for you to take on a regular basis if you develop cold sores more than nine times a year or if you’re at high risk of serious complications.

• #4 Overview: Cold sores – InformedHealth.org – NCBI Bookshelf

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525782/

  Cold sores can be easily diagnosed based on the typical symptoms. Most people who have had a cold sore in the past know that theyre getting another cold sore as soon as they notice the first signs. It usually isnt necessary to go to a doctor unless something unusual happens. […] In rare cases, the herpes infection occurs in skin elsewhere on the body. The doctor can then take a sample of fluid from the blisters and have it tested for herpes viruses in a laboratory.

• #5 Cold Sores (Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment)

  https://patient.info/childrens-health/viral-skin-infections-leaflet/cold-sores

  Tests are not needed to confirm the diagnosis of cold sores. The cold sore symptoms of tingling pain followed by the typical blisters that crust around the nose and mouth are enough to make the diagnosis and treat cold sores. […] Taking a sample of the blister fluid on a special viral swab can help confirm the diagnosis of HSV. A blood test can also detect the virus more reliably than a swab can. Neither of these tests is routinely available at your GP surgery. Testing might be done in people who have a poor immune system (immunocompromised people) or if a dermatologist (skin specialist) is uncertain about the diagnosis. Blood tests may be available for people with severe infections if there is a need for them during a hospital admission. […] You should contact your doctor if you are unsure of the diagnosis, or if the cold sores are not resolving after a week or so. If you have a poor immune system (you are an immunocompromised person) and develop possible cold sores, you should contact your doctor. You may need tests to confirm the virus, and/or oral antiviral medicines.

• #6 Cold sore – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cold-sore/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20371023

  Your health care provider is likely to ask you a few questions. Being ready to answer them may reserve time to go over any points you want to talk about in-depth. Your health care provider may ask: Could you sense a cold sore coming before you could see it? Do your symptoms include eye pain or gritty eyes? Does anything seem to bring on your symptoms? Have you been treated for cold sores in the past? If so, what treatment helped the most? Have you been under stress lately or had major life changes? Are you pregnant? Does your work or home life bring you into contact with infants or with people who have major illness?

• #7 Herpes Simplex Virus (Cold Sores) in Children | Cedars-Sinai

  https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions—pediatrics/h/herpes-simplex-virus-cold-sores-in-children.html

  Symptoms of cold sores can be like other health conditions. Make sure your child sees their healthcare provider for a diagnosis. […] The healthcare provider will ask about your child’s symptoms and health history and give your child a physical exam. A healthcare provider can usually diagnose your child by looking at the sores. Your child may also have tests, such as: […] Skin scrapings. The sores are gently scraped to remove tiny samples. The samples are examined to look for the virus. […] Blood tests. These are to check for signs of virus in the blood.

• #8 Cold Sores: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Complications, and Prevention

  https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/understanding-cold-sores-basics

  Your doctor might diagnose a cold sore just by looking at the blisters. They can also swab the blister and test the fluid for HSV.

• #9 Nongenital Herpes Simplex Virus | AAFP

  https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2010/1101/p1075.html

  The diagnosis of HSV-1 infection is usually made by the appearance of the lesions and the patient’s history. However, if the pattern of the lesions is not specific to HSV, its diagnosis can be made by viral culture, PCR, serology, direct fluorescent antibody testing, or Tzanck test. Viral culture should be obtained from vesicles when possible. The vesicle should be unroofed with a scalpel or sterile needle, and a swab should be used to soak up the fluid and to scrape the base. The swab should be sent in special viral transport media directly to the laboratory (or placed on ice if transport will be delayed). Vesicles contain the highest titers of virus within the first 24 to 48 hours of their appearance (89 percent positive). In general, viral culture for all types of HSV has a sensitivity of approximately 50 percent. Viral isolates usually grow in tissue culture by five days.

• #10 Nongenital Herpes Simplex Virus | AAFP

  https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2010/1101/p1075.html

  PCR is a more sensitive method in the laboratory diagnosis of HSV infection. It is useful for the detection of asymptomatic viral shedding. Direct fluorescent antibody testing may be performed from air-dried specimens, and can detect 80 percent of true HSV-positive cases compared with culture results. Immunoglobulin G antibodies that are type-specific to HSV develop the first several weeks after infection and persist indefinitely. A Tzanck test is difficult to perform correctly without specific training in its use, but it may be done in the office setting by scraping the floor of the herpetic vesicle, staining the specimen, and looking for multinucleated giant cells. Its results do not specify the type of HSV infection, but if done correctly, its sensitivity is 40 to 77 percent for acute herpetic gingivostomatitis.

• #11 Herpes Simplex Virus: Comprehensive Diagnosis & Treatment Guide – The Kingsley Clinic

  https://thekingsleyclinic.com/resources/herpes-simplex-virus-comprehensive-diagnosis-treatment-guide/

  Diagnosing herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection involves a combination of clinical evaluation and laboratory tests. The diagnosis is often made based on the appearance of characteristic blisters or ulcers, but laboratory confirmation is essential for a definitive diagnosis. Several diagnostic tests are available to detect the presence of HSV, including molecular tests, culture methods, and serologic tests. These tests can identify the virus, differentiate between HSV-1 and HSV-2, and help confirm the diagnosis in patients with atypical symptoms or recurrent outbreaks. […] Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a highly sensitive molecular test used to detect the genetic material (DNA) of the herpes simplex virus. The test is performed by collecting a sample from a lesion, typically using a swab. The sample is then processed in a laboratory, where the viral DNA is amplified to detectable levels. PCR is considered the gold standard for diagnosing HSV, as it can identify even small amounts of the virus. This test is especially useful in cases where the lesions are healing or when the infection is not visually apparent.

• #12 Herpes Simplex Virus – HSV | Choose the Right Test

  https://arupconsult.com/content/herpes-simplex-virus

  Virologic testing of samples from active lesions is the best way to confirm HSV diagnosis. NAAT has been shown to be more sensitive than culture and is the preferred diagnostic testing method. […] If there are no active lesions but exposure to HSV is suspected, serologic testing may be used. […] If the suspected exposure was particularly recent, IgG to HSV-1/2 should be tested first, with reflex to the type-specific antibodies. […] If suspicion is high but results are negative, testing should be repeated 6-12 months later, given that false-negative results can occur, especially early in the disease. […] The recommended test for HSV encephalitis is NAAT on a CSF sample obtained by lumbar puncture.

• #13 Genital herpes – treatments, diagnosis, symptoms and prevention | healthdirect

  https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/genital-herpes

  Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is caused by herpes simplex viruses (HSV) types 1 and 2. This is the same type of virus that causes cold sores. […] If you think you have genital herpes, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible to get a diagnosis, and start treatment. […] A swab from a blister or sore can be sent to a lab to check if you have herpes simplex virus. It is best if the blister is less than 4 days old. In some cases, you may be able to take your own swab, so you can find out as soon as possible. […] A doctor or nurse can also take a blood sample, to check the type of herpes virus you have, and recommend the best course of treatment. […] If you notice that any of your genital skin looks or feels unusual, see your doctor and ask them to check for herpes. Once your doctor confirms an infection with HSV, they can give you the right treatment. Any time blisters appear you should see your doctor for treatment.

• #14 Herpes Simplex Workup: Approach Considerations, Laboratory Studies, Imaging Studies

  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/218580-workup

  A thorough history and physical examination are essential in the evaluation of suspected HSV infections. […] Laboratory confirmation may be warranted in certain cases. For the diagnosis of HSV encephalitis, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are critical diagnostic tools. The diagnosis of HSV infection is primarily clinical, relying on the identification of characteristic lesions. […] Laboratory confirmation is particularly valuable in severe cases, in immunocompromised patients, pregnant individuals, or when lesions present atypically. A Tzanck smear, obtained from the base of a freshly ruptured vesicle and stained with Wright-Giemsa stain, typically reveals multinucleate giant cells, which are indicative of HSV or varicella-zoster virus infections. Definitive diagnosis can be established through viral culture, seroconversion for the appropriate serotype (in primary infections), PCR, and antigen detection.

• #15 Herpes (HSV) Test: MedlinePlus Medical TestLock

  https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/herpes-hsv-test/

  Herpes (HSV) tests look for signs of the herpes simplex virus usually in a sample of your blood or fluid from a sore. […] There are a few types of HSV tests: A swab test takes a sample of fluid from a sore, which may be used to do: A viral culture. For this test, cells from your sample are grown in a lab and then checked for HSV. […] A blood test looks for HSV antibodies in a blood sample. HSV antibodies are proteins that your immune system makes to fight the virus. […] An HSV test may be used to: Find out whether sores on your mouth or genitals are caused by HSV and, if so, which type. […] You may need an HSV test if: You have symptoms of herpes. Symptoms of a first HSV infection may include: Blisters or sores on the mouth, genitals, anus, buttocks, or other areas of skin. […] In general, medical experts don’t recommend HSV testing for people without symptoms of HSV.

• #16 Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV): Types Symptoms, & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22855-herpes-simplex

  Healthcare providers diagnose HSV infections by doing a physical exam and testing. During an exam, your provider will look for signs of infection (like sores). They may take a sample from the sores to send for lab testing. If your provider suspects encephalitis and/or meningitis, they may do a spinal tap. […] If you don’t have sores, your provider can use a blood test to check for antibodies against HSV-1 or HSV-2. Antibodies are a sign you’ve been infected with the virus in the past. Test results help your provider plan treatment.

• #17 Herpes Testing

  https://www.ashasexualhealth.org/herpes-testing/

  The accurate herpes blood tests detect IgG antibodies. Unlike IgM, IgG antibodies can be accurately broken down to either HSV-1 or HSV-2. […] For the most accurate test result, it is recommended to wait 12-16 weeks from the last possible date of exposure before getting an accurate, type-specific blood test in order to allow enough time for antibodies to reach detectable levels. […] There are currently several FDA-approved, gG-based blood tests that can give accurate results for herpes. Like any blood test, these tests cannot determine whether the site of infection is oral or genital. However, since most cases of genital herpes are caused by HSV-2, a positive result for type-2 antibodies most likely indicates genital herpes. […] A paper published ahead of print in Sexually Transmitted Diseases finds that commercial blood tests commonly used to diagnose herpes simplex virus (HSV) are frequently not reliable, especially in those with low positive results.

• #18 Information on testing for herpes

  https://www.herpes.org.nz/symptoms-and-diagnosis/testing-for-herpes

  In order to confirm genital herpes, it is necessary to prove the presence of HSV-1 or HSV-2. […] The usual procedure is for the clinician to take a swab from the area affected. A sample of the fluid from a blister or from ulcers is taken and sent away for analysis. The test can identify whether the virus infection is caused by HSV-1 or HSV-2. […] Commercial blood tests and over the counter testing kits specific for HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibodies are available but are not recommended for use in the general population as a routine screen. The blood test has many limitations and doesn’t necessarily provide information that is helpful in management of the infection. The time taken to develop antibodies is usually 2-6 weeks after infection, but it may be up to 6 months and false positives and false negatives can occur in these tests. The blood test is also unable to tell you the site of the infection, or how long you have had HSV for. Multiple studies have concluded that blood serology for screening causes more harm than good.

• #19 Genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) | STI Guidelines Australia

  https://sti.guidelines.org.au/sexually-transmissible-infections/genital-herpes-simplex-virus-hsv/

  Self-collection of NAAT specimens at first onset of recurrent symptoms may be useful to confirm diagnosis in patients who have failed to have confirmation when attending clinical services. […] Serology: do not screen asymptomatic people with serological tests for HSV types 1 or 2. Use of serology is limited to specific situations where results will provide meaningful clinical information (e.g. an asymptomatic pregnant partner of a newly diagnosed person) and should be done in conjunction with an infectious diseases specialist. […] *HSV NAAT – Nucleic Acid Amplification Test; a very sensitive and specific test; it is rare but false positives and false negatives may occur.

• #20 Herpes Testing

  https://www.ashasexualhealth.org/herpes-testing/

  Is that sore or rash actually genital herpes? Can you tell by just looking? Can a healthcare provider? No! When it comes to diagnosing genital herpes, it takes more than a look. […] There are different tests available for herpes. Viral culture and DNA tests can be done if you are experiencing symptoms. Blood tests are available for people who may not have had symptoms or if the signs have already healed. […] When a person has active herpes lesions (a.k.a. blisters, sores, ulcers), a swab can be taken and tests done that can detect the virus directly. […] The tests used include culture and Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAAT). Both culture and NAAT tests can identify the specific herpes virus type someone is infected with, but NAAT methods are more sensitive. […] Blood tests can be used when a person has no visible symptoms but has concerns about having herpes. Blood tests do not actually detect the virus; instead, they look for antibodies (the body’s immune response) in the blood.

• #21 Content – Health Encyclopedia – University of Rochester Medical Center

  https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/Encyclopedia/Content.aspx?ContentTypeID=85&ContentID=P00888

  Herpes simplex virus may be difficult to diagnose because it may be confused with many other infections, such as allergic reactions. HSV can be confirmed only with a virus culture, blood test, or biopsy. A healthcare provider can often diagnose it based on where the blisters are and how they look. […] The symptoms of an oral HSV outbreak may look like other conditions or health problems. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

• #22 Diagnosis of Canker Sores, Cold Sores, and Chronic Oral Ulcers | Rutgers School of Dental Medicine

  https://sdm.rutgers.edu/news/2019/12/diagnosis-canker-sores-cold-sores-and-chronic-oral-ulcers

  While it can be difficult to tell a canker sore and cold sore apart, there are a few key differences that will let you know that you have the latter. A cold sore is caused by a strain of herpes simplex virus (HSV) and is extremely contagious. The sores are easily spread through oral contact, and recurrent outbreaks may be triggered by stress or fatigue. Cold sores start with fluid-filled blisters which upon rupture leave painful erosions that will crust over and will last anywhere from two to four weeks. […] If the sores arent healing after a couple of weeks or are causing you extreme pain, then you should seek treatment from a doctor. […] Being able to tell what type of oral sore you have will allow you to seek out the correct treatment methods and course of action to get you back to normal health. If you are unsure about the type of sore you are experiencing or believe that your case is severe, visit Rutgers Health University Dental Associates. Our team of experts can diagnose a wide variety of oral sores and recommend lesion treatment.

• #23 Herpes Simplex Workup: Approach Considerations, Laboratory Studies, Imaging Studies

  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/218580-workup

  Samples for culture should be collected from the base of a vesicle or a freshly ulcerated lesion. Direct immunofluorescence assays on lesion scrapings may also facilitate the identification of HSV. In cases of suspected HSV encephalitis, PCR of CSF and MRI are utilized for diagnosis. […] Differentiation between HSV and herpes zoster is crucial, as herpes zoster rarely recurs and is characterized by more severe pain and larger vesicular lesions that follow a dermatomal distribution, typically not crossing the midline. […] The presence of clusters of vesicles or ulcers on an erythematous base is atypical for genital ulcers caused by pathogens other than HSV. […] In instances of recurrent herpes infections that do not resolve or respond to antiviral therapy as expected, there is a need to consider the possibility of immunocompromise, such as that associated with HIV infection.

• #24 Cold sores

  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cold-sores/

  Cold sores should start to heal within 10 days, but are contagious and may be irritating or painful while they heal. […] Cold sores are contagious from the moment you first feel tingling or other signs of a cold sore coming on to when the cold sore has completely healed. […] A pharmacist can recommend antiviral creams to speed up healing time. […] If you regularly get cold sores, use antiviral creams as soon as you recognise the early tingling feeling. They do not always work after blisters appear. […] A GP may prescribe antiviral tablets if your cold sores are very large, painful or keep coming back.

• #25 Cold sores – causes, symptoms and treatment | healthdirect

  https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/cold-sores

  You may need to see a doctor if you have severe symptoms (such as a large, deep or painful sore) or a weakened immune system (for example, if you have HIV or you are having cancer treatment). […] It’s also a good idea to see your doctor if: there are signs the cold sore is infected, such as redness around the sore, pus and/or a fever; the cold sore isn’t healing, it’s spreading or you have more than one cold sore; your cold sore has spread to near your eyes; you get cold sores often. […] Cold sores can’t be cured but there are many treatments that can help relieve your symptoms. […] Antiviral creams or ointments such as aciclovir, famciclovir and valaciclovir can be used in the first few days of a cold sore outbreak, when you first notice a tingling sensation or a raised sore or blister.

• #26 Cold Sore: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/cold-sores

  Cold sores themselves are a symptom of an oral herpes infection. […] A herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection causes cold sores. […] Cold sores are contagious from when you first notice tingling or other skin symptoms (prodromal stage) until they completely heal. […] Contact a healthcare provider about your cold sores if any of the following are true: It’s your first outbreak. […] Talk to a healthcare provider if you’re not sure about any sores or blisters you notice. Your provider can help you determine if they’re cold sores or something else.

• #27 Cold sores – causes, symptoms and treatment | healthdirect

  https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/cold-sores

  A single dose of antiviral tablets is also available from your pharmacist without a prescription. […] For most people, cold sores get better in time with over-the-counter treatments and self-care. However, for people with weakened immune systems, cold sores can be more severe and spread more widely. […] Infection in a newborn baby should be managed by a doctor.

• #28 Treatment and prevention of herpes simplex virus type 1 in immunocompetent adolescents and adults – UpToDate

  https://www.uptodate.com/contents/treatment-and-prevention-of-herpes-simplex-virus-type-1-in-immunocompetent-adolescents-and-adults

  Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a cause of recurrent vesiculoulcerative lesions of the oral or genital mucosa. […] This topic will review treatment and prevention of primary and recurrent HSV-1 infections in immunocompetent adolescents and adults. […] The management of HSV-1 infection in the immunocompetent host depends upon a variety of considerations, including: […] Antiviral agents for HSV infection include acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir. […] The classic clinical manifestation of primary oral HSV-1 infection (ie, initial HSV infection in a seronegative host) is gingivostomatitis, which may be associated with pharyngitis. […] We recommend antiviral therapy for patients with evidence of primary gingivostomatitis who present within 72 hours of symptom onset. […] Oral treatment options for adolescents and adults with primary infection include:

• #29 Cold sores | Better Health Channel

  https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/cold-sores

  Cold sores are blisters around the mouth and nose, caused by the herpes simplex virus. […] Cold sores will get better by themselves except in cases where they get infected by bacteria, occur in the eye or become widespread in people with a weakened immune system. […] The symptoms can last up to 14 days and may cause dehydration, especially in young children, because it is painful to swallow. […] It is important to remember that cold sores are a symptom of ongoing infection rather than a new infection. […] Cold sores are generally not dangerous and do not cause any permanent damage to the skin. Treatment does not cure the infection and is not necessary for most cases. […] Antiviral medications come in many forms, including creams and tablets. […] Aciclovir cream works best when applied to the blister at the earliest stages of cold sore development, when the area is tingling.

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• #31 Treatment and prevention of herpes simplex virus type 1 in immunocompetent adolescents and adults – UpToDate

  https://www.uptodate.com/contents/treatment-and-prevention-of-herpes-simplex-virus-type-1-in-immunocompetent-adolescents-and-adults

  The usual duration of treatment is 7 to 10 days, depending on the severity of symptoms and response to therapy. […] Various strategies may be employed in the management of patients with HSV-1 reactivation disease. […] Many patients experience occasional clinical recurrences with minimal symptoms, and in such patients antiviral treatment may not be necessary. […] For patients who have occasional recurrences that are more severe, particularly those with a well-defined prodrome, we suggest episodic oral antiviral therapy, since treatment can decrease the length of recurrences if initiated promptly after onset. […] We do not use topical antivirals, since topical therapy must be administered multiple times per day and is less effective than oral antiviral therapy. […] We suggest chronic suppressive antiviral therapy for certain patients to reduce the number of clinical HSV episodes.

• #32 Cold sores: Foothill Dermatology Medical Center: Dermatology

  https://www.foothillderm.com/blog/cold-sores

  If you get cold sores often and have a weak immune system, your dermatologist may prescribe a prescription cream called penciclovir. It can reduce the time that you have cold sores. To work, you need to apply it to the skin with the first symptoms of a cold sore, such as burning or tingling. […] Pain medication: If you have a lot of pain, your dermatologist may prescribe a medication that you apply to the sores, such as lidocaine. […] Sunscreen: While the sores are healing, its important to protect them from the sun. A lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher and broad-spectrum protection can help protect your lips. Worn year round, this lip balm may help prevent new cold sores. […] Treating cold sores has benefits. Treatment can shorten your outbreak. It may even prevent you from getting a cold sore if you start treatment at the first sign of a cold sore (a tingling or burning sensation on your skin). Treatment can also reduce your risk of spreading the virus to others.

• #33 Cold sores: Foothill Dermatology Medical Center: Dermatology

  https://www.foothillderm.com/blog/cold-sores

  Treatment is highly recommended if you get a cold sore and have: […] Atopic dermatitis (usually begins in childhood and is often called eczema) […] Sores near your eyes […] A lot of cold sores […] A lot of pain […] Sores that spread to another part of your body, such as your hands or genitals […] HIV, AIDS, cancer, or another disease that weakens your immune system […] Cancer and are getting chemotherapy […] To take medication that suppresses your immune system, such as medicine to control severe psoriasis or prevent organ rejection […] Cold sores frequently […] An outbreak that lasts more than 2 weeks […] Its important to treat cold sores if you have any of the above because the cold sores may not go away without treatment. Left untreated, the virus that causes cold sores can spread to other parts of your body. Some people develop another illness and become very sick.

• #34 Cold sores: Foothill Dermatology Medical Center: Dermatology

  https://www.foothillderm.com/blog/cold-sores

  What is the outcome for someone who has cold sores? Cold sores cannot be cured. Some people get the virus and have just one outbreak. Others continue to get cold sores. […] If you get cold sores several times a year, tell your dermatologist. A prescription antiviral medicine may help. Taking this medicine at the start of a cold-sore outbreak can shorten the amount of time you have cold sores. Some people who get cold sores frequently take this medicine every day. Taken daily, it can help prevent outbreaks of cold sores.

• #35 Cold Sores

  https://healthlibrary.uwmedicine.org/Library/DiseasesConditions/Adult/Dermatology/85,P00268

  How are cold sores diagnosed? Your health care provider can often diagnose cold sores by looking at the sores. If the diagnosis is unclear, your provider may swab the sore and send it to the lab for examination. […] Early treatment can promote healing and reduce the time it takes a cold sore to heal. […] Using antiviral medicine on the sores does not prevent them or help them heal faster.

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