Dr. Abdulaziz AlRashed — Consultant Dermatologist, Cosmetic & Laser
Cold Sores (Herpes Simplex) Advice
A patient advice sheet — 6 practical points. Reviewed and updated by Dr. Abdulaziz AlRashed, July 2026.
Last reviewed: July 2026
The advice
- Cold sores are a very common virus that stays dormant in the body and reactivates with fatigue, fever, sun exposure and menstruation.
- Start treatment (antiviral cream or tablets) at the first tingle or burning, before blisters appear — it works best early.
- You are contagious from the first tingle until the sore fully crusts: no kissing (especially babies — a real danger to them), and no sharing cups, utensils, lip balm or towels.
- Do not touch the sore then your eyes or other areas; wash your hands well — take special care with contact lenses.
- Sun is a strong trigger in Kuwait: use a lip balm with sunscreen daily.
- If attacks recur often (6 or more per year), an effective daily preventive treatment exists — ask your doctor.
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