Cold Sores: How Can My Rexall Pharmacist Help?

If you have ever had a cold sore, you know how uncomfortable it can be. Here are some quick facts about cold sores: 

• About 60% of people who get cold sores feel a tingling, itching, or burning feeling where a cold sore is going to develop, about 2-24 hours before the sores appear. 
• Cold sores usually start as a single sore with many smaller sores or lesions on the border of the lip and around the nostril that appear over 1-2 days. 
• Cold sores are usually itchy and painful. The sores leak a clear, sticky fluid and eventually crust over and heal over 3-5 days. 

You should see your Rexall Pharmacist as soon as possible, within at least 72 hours after the first signs of a cold sore. That is because the earlier the medications that kill the cold sore virus are used, the better they work. In addition to prescribing medications that help to kill the virus, your Rexall Pharmacist can recommend products such as lip balms and ointments to help relieve your symptoms. If needed, pain medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen may be recommended by your Rexall Pharmacist.

Antiviral medications help your cold sore heal more quickly and reduce the severity of symptoms by killing the virus that causes cold sores. Pharmacists can prescribe antiviral medications that are available as ointments, creams, and pills. Your Rexall Pharmacist can assess your symptoms and ask about any medical conditions you might have and the medications that you are taking. After discussing your options, the most appropriate medication for you will then be prescribed by your Rexall Pharmacist. Be sure to call your Rexall Pharmacist should you notice any side effects after you start taking your medication.