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Cold sores resolve after 7 to 10 days without treatment. Topical antivirals applied prodromally reduce duration by 12 to 24hrs and are therefore not cost effective.
Last reviewed: 23 May 2019
Next review: 30 May 2022
Author(s): Antimicrobial Management Team
Approved By: TAM Subgroup of ADTC
Reviewer Name(s): Area Antimicrobial Pharmacist
Document Id: AMT164
Cold sores resolve after 7 to 10 days without treatment. Topical antivirals applied prodromally reduce duration by 12 to 24hrs and are therefore not cost effective.