Cold sore

Mayo Clinic Health Manager

Get free personalized health guidance for you and your family.

Get Started

Free

E-Newsletter

Subscribe to receive the latest updates on health topics. About our newsletters

  • Housecall
  • Alzheimer's caregiving
  • Living with cancer

When to seek medical advice

By Mayo Clinic staff

Cold sores generally clear up on their own without treatment. However, see your doctor if:

  • You have a pre-existing health condition that has compromised your immune system
  • The cold sores don't heal within one to two weeks on their own
  • Symptoms are severe
  • You have frequent recurrences of cold sores
  • You experience irritation in your eyes

DS00358

March 13, 2008

© 1998-2010 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

Print Share Reprints

Text Size: smaller largerlarger