Everyone’s worst enemy, cold sores start as a tingle and can end with a highly contagious blistering sore, usually on the face. Cold sores usually look like tiny, fluid-filled blisters on or around the lips, which scab over and heal within a few weeks. Learn more about cold sore treatment.
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FAQ
Cold sores can last for a few days but often take up to three weeks to fully heal, with effective cold sore treatment.
Cold sores are highly contagious and can be passed from person to person with close contact like kissing. The bad news is… cold sores are contagious even if you don’t actually see the sores.
The quickest way to get rid of a cold sore is with antiviral medication or a topical cold sore treatment gel like Dermal Therapy’s Cold Sore LYSINE+ Gel, which speeds up healing and combats all the stages of your cold sore, from tingling and blistering to wet, dry and healing.
To relieve the discomfort and possible pain of having a cold sore, you can try a cool, damp cloth on the area, antiviral gels and creams or lemon balm, ice, mild painkillers, and some over-the-counter antiviral medications. Lysine is also used for cold sore treatment and prevention of cold sores, which is a basic amino acid that’s a constituent of most proteins, which helps the body absorb calcium and build up immunity. Although it’s essential for many bodily functions, lysine works well to help slow down or prevent growth of the virus.
The best cold sore cream is the one that works for you! Our Dermal Therapy Cold Sore LYSINE+ Gel is the only one on the Australian market to contain the essential amino acid lysine. The gel offers triple action relief, plus menthol, camphor and clove leaf oil to soothe the area while its healing.
The short answer is yes, stress can cause cold sores! Stress can cause recurrency of cold sores, if you have previously been exposed to the virus. We know that the main cause of cold sores is the contagious herpes virus, but some people are more prone to cold sores than others. If you’re experiencing stress and anxiety, your immune system is likely weaker than usual, which leaves you more susceptible to viral infections, including cold sores.
Articles about Cold Sore
28/07/2026
You know that feeling. It starts as a faint itch or heat on your lip, and within an hour, you’re certain a cold sore is on its way. It’s frustrating, but you’re definitely not alone. Around 80% of Australian adults carry the virus that causes cold sores, with high infection rates even in younger groups. …
31/10/2025
Cold sores can be tiny blisters that cause a big problem. While typically antiviral medications are prescribed to help treat them, there are many alternative approaches that work very well to combat all five stages of cold sores: tingling, blistering, weeping, crusting, and healing. In this expert commentary, Amit Saha, registered Pharmacist and Head of …
05/08/2025
Key Takeaways: Cold sores progress through distinct stages, from initial tingling to final healing, usually lasting 8-15 days. Dermal Therapy Cold Sore LYSINE+ Gel offers a unique, triple-action clear gel formula. Discover how to use it across stages to disrupt the virus. When that familiar tingle starts, you know a cold sore is coming. Those …
12/06/2025
Key Takeaways: Notice a slight tingle or itching in your lips? If you’re reading this, you probably already know the unwelcome signs of a cold sore. Recurring outbreaks can be a real nuisance, impacting your comfort and confidence. Common causes like stress and illness are well-known. But what if we told you that the triggers …
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Discover how we can help
People who have this condition have found these cold sore treatment products to be helpful
Cold Sore Lysine+ Gel
Dermal Therapy Cold Sore Lysine+ Gel is Australia’s first clear topical gel with Lysine, providing triple-action relief to manage cold sore symptoms through every stage of a breakout.
- Triple action relief with Propolis, Lemon Balm and Lysine
- Soothes with Menthol & Camphor
- Discreet clear topical gel
- Supports recovery at every stage
Cold Sore Patch
Our discreet cold sore patches use advanced hydrocolloid technology and Hyaluronic Acid to provide 12 hours of invisible healing and protection.
- Discreet healing patch that is nearly invisible on the skin
- Advanced barrier protection to act as a virus shield
- Contains Hyaluronic Acid to keep the cold sore moisturised and promote healing
- 12-hour non-stop action for day or night use
- Ultra-thin and hypoallergenic for comfortable wear
- Makeup and lipstick compatible
- Prevents picking and cross-contamination
Complementary products
Real People Real Results
Lip Balm enriched with Manuka Honey
Lip Balm Mint
Face & Lips range
Lip Balm Original
Forever recommending this @dermaltherapy lip balm to my clients.
yadscauchiskin
Cold Sore & Lysine+ Gel
I am a fan of Dermal Cold Sore Gel as it is a clear gel, has a soothing fragrance, reasonably priced, and it works fast.
Annie
Lip Balm Mint
Even though we have just got into spring it’s been quite cold so my lips have needed extra care.
thetousledbeauty
Lip Balm Original
Lip Balm Mint
My partner never leaves home without Dermal Therapy Lip Balm.
grey_hair_is_beautiful
Lip Balm Original
It’s definitely leaving my lips nice and soft.
mumma_to_glama
