Cold sores are small, painful blisters on or around the lips. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus, usually type 1 (HSV-1). Most heal on their own in about 10 days, but treatment can help, especially when it starts at the first tingle. At Urgent Care Center of Westmont in Westmont, IL, also known as Immediate Care Center of Westmont, you can walk in to have a cold sore checked and get advice on relief.
Our team, led by board-certified physicians, can confirm whether a sore looks like a cold sore or something else, talk about treatment options, and explain how to protect the people around you while it heals.
MedlinePlus reports that most people in the United States are infected with HSV-1 by age 20. After the first infection, the virus stays in the body and can flare up again. Common triggers include fever, stress, sun exposure and menstrual periods.
A first outbreak can also bring a sore throat, fever or swollen, painful gums. The NHS notes that a cold sore is contagious from the first tingle until it has fully healed.
The provider will look at the sore, ask when it started and whether you get them often, and check for signs of infection or other skin problems. Most cold sores are recognized on sight.
According to MedlinePlus, antiviral medicines are most helpful when they are started at the first warning signs. Your provider will tell you whether they fit your situation. Home care that can help includes:
See a provider soon if a sore has not improved after 10 days, if sores are very large or painful, if they keep coming back, or if you have a weakened immune system. Sores near the eye need prompt care, because herpes can affect the eye.
Go to the nearest emergency room if a newborn or young baby has blisters or seems unwell, or if a person cannot drink enough to stay hydrated. Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain, stroke signs or severe bleeding.
Other skin and virus-related services at our clinic:
Families visit us for cold sore care from nearby communities such as:
Live closer to home? See our urgent care page for Westmont, IL.
Walk-ins are welcome at both of our locations: the main clinic at 29 N Cass Ave, Ste A, Westmont, IL 60559, and our second location inside Jewel-Osco at 4 E Ogden Ave, Westmont, IL 60559. Both are open Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM, and Saturday and Sunday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Call (630) 324-6825, or check in online before you arrive.
We accept most major plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield (PPO), BCBS Advocate Good Samaritan (HMO), Cigna, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Medicare, Meridian and CountyCare. Coverage varies, so please call to confirm your plan. Read more on our cost and insurance page.
No insurance? Self-pay patients get flat, upfront pricing, with a general visit from $125. Ask about the price of any tests before they are done. See self-pay urgent care pricing.
Yes. The NHS says a cold sore can spread from the first tingle until it has completely healed. Kissing and sharing items like towels or lip balm are common ways it spreads.
Most cold sores heal within one to two weeks. See a provider if a sore lasts longer than that or keeps coming back.
Earlier is better. MedlinePlus notes that antiviral treatment is most helpful when it starts at the first signs, such as tingling or burning.
No. Cold sores are caused by a virus and usually appear on or around the lips. Canker sores form inside the mouth and are not caused by the herpes virus. A provider can tell the difference.
Sources: MedlinePlus: Oral herpes, NHS: Cold sores.
Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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