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Skin & hair
In brief
There are 2 cold sores treatment approaches available from regulated UK online clinics. Prescription options are supplied only after an online consultation reviewed by each clinic’s own UK prescriber. We compare the clinics — consultation fees, delivery and ratings — so you can choose where to start.
Links marked * are partner links. If you click and complete an order after the pharmacy’s consultation, we may receive commission at no extra cost to you. Commission never affects how we describe or order treatments. How we make money.
The cold sores approaches available from regulated UK online clinics, including our partner pharmacy. Prescription options are shown as treatment types — the exact medicine and price are confirmed by the clinic's own prescriber.
Price set by clinic
Prescription antiviral tablets that shorten cold-sore outbreaks when started at the first tingle — faster-acting than creams for frequent sufferers.
Price set by clinic
The classic over-the-counter cold sore cream, applied five times a day at the first sign of an outbreak.
Prescription-only medicines are dispensed only if a UK-registered prescriber at the pharmacy confirms the treatment is suitable for you after an online consultation. Prices shown are indicative and set by the pharmacy.
Start the cold sores consultation online*
Nameable Pharmacy and general-sale items for this condition: Aciclovir 5% cold sore cream. Prescription-only medicines are never listed in that shop.
Fees and ratings change frequently — always confirm on the clinic's own site. Figures checked 24 July 2026; we show “Check site” for anything we have not verified ourselves. Links marked * are partner links (how we make money); we never rank clinics by commission.
| Clinic | Consultation | Delivery | Speed | Trustpilot | Model | Regulation | Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| partner pharmacyPartner* | Free | From £2.90 | Standard 1–3 days; express within 24 hours | 4.2 / 551,000+ reviews | One-off orders with manual reorder | GPhC · CQCNo. 9012633 | Visit* |
| Superdrug Online Doctor | Included in treatment price | Free standard; £3.99 next-day | Check site | 4.5 / 535,000+ reviews | One-off orders; repeat assessment each time | GPhC · CQCNo. 1028947 | Visit site |
| Boots Online Doctor | Included in treatment price | Free delivery or store collection | Reviewed within 24 hours; same-day store collection | 4.3 / 55,300+ reviews | Subscribe & Save repeat plans, or one-off | GPhC · CQCNo. 1096181 | Visit site |
| Simple Online Pharmacy | Free | £4.99 tracked | Same-day dispatch before cut-off; 1–2 days | 4.6 / 545,000+ reviews | One-off orders, no long-term commitment | GPhCNo. 9011287 | Visit site |
Choose a regulated UK online clinic (compared below) and complete its medical questionnaire on its own secure site. A UK-registered prescriber reviews your answers and, if treatment is suitable, the clinic's pharmacy dispenses it with tracked delivery. No GP visit is needed.
Antiviral cold-sore tablets; Aciclovir 5% cold sore cream. The clinic's own clinicians confirm which option is appropriate for you — we don't recommend individual prescription medicines.
No. Sanara Health is an independent comparison platform and marketing affiliate — we don't sell medicines, run consultations or handle your health information. You order directly from the regulated clinic you choose.