We know cold sores are time-sensitive. Most patients receive their diagnosis and prescription plan within 24 hours.

Yes. Cold sores (herpes simplex virus-1) have very distinct visual characteristics, such as clusters of small, fluid-filled blisters on or near the lips. By reviewing your high-resolution photos and medical history, our providers can typically confirm a diagnosis without an in-person visit.

It’s common to confuse cold sores with canker sores or impetigo. A key difference is location: cold sores appear on the outside of the mouth, while canker sores occur exclusively inside. Our providers are experts at making this distinction.

We typically prescribe medical-grade antiviral tablets like Valacyclovir (Valtrex) or Acyclovir. Oral tablets are generally more effective than over-the-counter creams at stopping a breakout in its tracks.

Antivirals work best when taken at the very first sign of a "prodrome"—the tingling, itching, or burning sensation you feel before a blister appears. Starting treatment within the first 24–48 hours can significantly shorten the duration of the outbreak or even prevent the blister from forming entirely.

Yes. If you suffer from frequent "recurrent" cold sores, our providers can often provide a prescription to keep on hand so you can start treatment the moment you feel a tingle.

Yes. The $95 covers your professional medical evaluation, your personalized treatment plan, and 30 days of follow-up support. The cost of the actual medication is handled separately through your insurance or HSA/FSA at your local pharmacy.

If our provider determines that your condition is not suitable for telehealth—for example, if the sore has spread near your eye or appears to be a different, more serious infection—we will tell you honestly and you will not be charged the $95 fee.

Yes. To comply with medical licensing regulations, you must be physically located within the state of Idaho or Utah at the time of your virtual visit.