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Herpes simplex - oral - Management
What advice should I give about preventing cold sores recurring?
- If sunlight is a trigger, consider the use of sunblock lip balm (SPF 15 or greater).
- Prophylactic use of topical antivirals is ineffective.
- For most immunocompetent people, the benefits of suppressive (continuous) treatment with oral antivirals are small and do not justify the routine use of long-term treatment. Episodic treatment might be preferred and be more convenient (e.g. for those with 1–2 mild episodes per year).
- For people with frequent or severe episodes, or for immunocompromised individuals (e.g. with HIV), prophylactic oral antiviral treatment may be helpful. Specialist advice should be sought.
In depth
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