Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for cold sores, also called "fever blisters." These are painful blisters that form on or near the lips and inside the mouth. They are caused by an infection with a virus called "herpes simplex virus." This virus spreads easily from person to person.
Cold sores usually go away on their own in a week or 2. But the doctors might have given you medicine to help the sores heal faster or to help treat pain.
Treatments can help ease the symptoms of cold sores, but no treatment can cure cold sores for good. Once you have the virus that causes cold sores, you will have it for the rest of your life. That means the cold sores might keep coming back. Luckily, symptoms usually get milder with time.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●Take all your medicines as instructed.
●To help with pain, hold something cold on the area (like a cold, wet towel) or suck on ice or ice pops.
●Take non-prescription medicines to relieve pain, such as acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol), ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve).
●To help lower the chance of the virus that causes cold sores to other people, when you have cold sores:
•Do not kiss anyone.
•Do not share utensils, glasses, water bottles, towels, lip balm, or razors.
•Do not give anyone oral sex.
●Wear sunscreen when you are in the sun. This might help prevent more cold sores from forming.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●You have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills.
●Your cold sore is swollen, red, or warm or has yellow, green, or bloody discharge.
●You have trouble swallowing, or cannot eat or drink.
●Your cold sores are not getting better after 10 days.
●You have new or worsening symptoms.
