Cold Sores

Cold Sores Treatment

Cold sores can be painful and leave you feeling stressed and self-conscious.

Whether you’re experiencing an outbreak or are looking for daily suppression management, our cold core treatment options are here to help.

Book a virtual consultation for only R300 and have your medication delivered for free or opt for our prescription-only option and collect your medication at your local pharmacy.

1. Complete a health assessment

Decide what’s right for you and complete a quick, private medical form

2. Consult with a Partner Doctor online

Meet online with one of our licensed Partner Doctors to discuss your treatment options

3. Get your treatment

Your medication ships FREE to you in discreet packaging or receive an e-prescription

Our Offering

Once-off Treatment

Medical Aid

R300

Once-off Treatment

Doctor Fees

E-prescription Available

Service Fees

Free Delivery

Prescribed Medication

Cash

From R500

Once-off Treatment

Doctor Fees

E-prescription Available

Service Fees

Free Delivery

Prescribed Medication

Cold sore infections are common and treatable.

Our cold sore treatment offering allows you to virtually consult with one of our Partner Doctors for R300 with the option of getting your treatment all at the same time, and have it discreetly delivered free to your door.

Have your prescribed medication discreetly delivered for free to your door, or ask your assigned Partner Doctor during your consultation to receive your prescription via email for R50.

Got any questions?

Chat to us live or check out our Helpdesk. Alternatively, you can email us at support@contro.co.za

Say goodbye to sore subjects

Cold sores, also known as ‘fever blisters’, are a common viral infection that is most commonly caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). The virus is transmitted by close contact with an infected person, usually through broken skin, and generally through sexual activity.

There is currently no cure for core sores and outbreaks can be frequent, causing sores and blisters around the mouth and facial areas. However, symptoms can be easily managed with antiviral medications and topical creams.

Our Partner Doctors can assist you with the medication you need to manage symptoms of an outbreak or prescribe you with up to 3 months of preventive treatment, which can suppress the virus and reduce cold sore outbreaks by up to 80% with the use of daily medication.

Cold Sores

What are cold sores?
Cold sores are a common viral infection in both men and women.

It is most commonly caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), however, it can also be caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), which is usually more associated with genital herpes.

The herpes virus is transmitted by close contact with an infected person, usually through broken skin, and generally through sexual activity. Both viruses are contagious, even when symptoms are not visible, so it is important to treat the virus effectively to reduce the length, severity and spreading of the outbreak.

There is currently no cure for cold sores, and outbreaks can be frequent, causing sores and blisters around the mouth and facial areas. However, symptoms can be easily managed with antiviral medications and topical creams.

How do cold sore infections appear and occur?
People who develop symptoms of core sores may first experience tingling, itching, or burning, then notice sores or blisters forming around the mouth or facial areas.

Cold sores are contracted through close contact – such as kissing, or through oral sex. You can contract the virus when you come into contact with people or things that carry the virus, for example sharing eating utensils, towels, or razors.

The virus is most contagious between when symptoms first appear and before they heal.

What are the symptoms of cold sores?
Cold sores can appear up to 20 days after you have been infected. The sore is likely to appear where the virus initially entered your body.

Cold Sores can occur in stages:

  • You may first experience a tingling, burning, itching or dry and irritated feeling around the infected area
  • Approximately 12 to 24 hours later the area becomes red, swollen or painful and a blister or ‘sore patch’ may appear
  • The blister breaks open, and fluid may come out, lasting up to 3 days
  • A scab then forms on the sore, which may crack or bleed

You may also experience symptoms such as:

  • Red or swollen gums
  • Burning and pain inside your mouth
  • Swollen glands in your neck
  • Sore throat
  • Pain when swallowing
  • Fever or muscle aches
  • Headache
  • Upset stomach
When should I see a doctor?
If you or your partner(s) have any of the above symptoms, or if your partner tells you they have the herpes virus, you should either get tested or seek treatment immediately.

At the first sign of an outbreak or one of the symptoms mentioned, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent symptoms from worsening and spreading.

If you experience multiple cold sore outbreaks throughout the year, you may like to consider signing up for our preventative subscription service.

Cold Sores Treatment

Can cold sores be treated online?
Yes, a doctor can treat cold sores online based on your symptoms during a virtual consultation. At Contro, men and women over the age of 18 can chat with one of our Partner Doctors about their symptoms and get treatment prescribed and delivered to them.

Please note, that we are not an emergency service, and if you require urgent care please seek in-person treatment.

Our Partner Doctors reserve the right to refuse treatment based on their professional medical and ethical opinion.

How much do Contro’s cold sore treatment service cost?

A virtual cold sore treatment consultation with one of our Partner Doctors costs R300. This includes all doctor’s fees, prescription fees and free delivery.

After a successful consultation, cash customers will additionally be charged for their prescribed medication. The treatment price will vary and will depend on which medication(s) your assigned Partner Doctor prescribes you. Our Partner Doctors will always work within your budget and ensure you get the best possible treatment available. The total cost for cash customers is from R500 depending on your diagnosis and prescribed medication.

The total cost for medical aid customers is R300 if your medication claim is successful.

Does Contro replace my primary doctor?
No, Contro’s service offering does not replace your primary doctor. We save you time and money by offering you a supplementary online delivery and subscription service, and therefore your assigned Partner Doctor does not replace your primary doctor or GP and is not responsible for your ongoing primary care.
Can I claim through my medical aid?

Yes, but only for your medication costs. Medical aid customers are still required to pay our service fees. We are working hard to get the medical aid providers to cover this fee.

Our Partner Pharmacy will claim your medication with your medical aid scheme. If your claim is unsuccessful we will reach out to you and confirm you are happy to pay privately for your medication instead.

If you are unsure whether your medical aid scheme will cover your prescribed medication, or allow you to use your savings to pay for your prescribed medication, please contact your provider.

When and how is my medication delivered to me?
Our Partner Doctors offer consultations Monday – Friday excluding public holidays. We aim to offer you a consultation within 2 business days.

During your consultation, your assigned Partner Doctor will ask if you would like to have your medication delivered or if you would like to receive the prescription via email. If you opt for the delivery option, your prescription will be sent electronically to our Partner Pharmacy. Our Partner Pharmacy will contact you telephonically to confirm your details and delivery address and will make a claim on your behalf if you have provided medical aid details.

Their pharmacy team will prepare and despatch your medication to your chosen delivery address. Once your order has been despatched, delivery time is 1-3 business days.

You will receive an SMS from our Partner Pharmacy to notify you that your medication has been despatched. This will contain a tracking number that will allow you to track your medication with the applicable courier service here.

Please note, you cannot change your delivery address once payment has been processed and your prescription has been sent to our Partner Pharmacy for processing.

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