Cold sores (herpes labialis) while visiting Sweden
Medically reviewed by Dr Toha Soodhun, specialist in family medicine · 15 November 2026
Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus. They start with tingling, then small fluid-filled blisters appear around the lips and crust over within about a week to ten days. Antiviral creams and cold-sore patches are sold without prescription and work best when started at the first tingle. If outbreaks are severe or frequent, a doctor can prescribe antiviral tablets by video.
Self-care
- Start an antiviral cream or a cold-sore patch as soon as you feel the tingling.
- Avoid touching the blisters, and wash your hands if you do.
- Avoid kissing and oral sex until the sores have healed — the virus spreads through contact.
- Sun can trigger outbreaks: a lip balm with sun protection helps.
What a video doctor can do
- Confirm that it looks like a cold sore
- Prescribe antiviral tablets for severe or frequent outbreaks, or if you have eczema
- Send the prescription to a pharmacy near you
See a doctor in person if…
- Sores that are widespread, look infected or have not healed after two weeks
- You have a weakened immune system
Our clinics in Gothenburg, Stockholm and Malmö can usually see you the same day (3,200 SEK, or +700 SEK after a video consultation). If you cannot come in, we can visit you at your hotel or home in central Gothenburg, Stockholm or Malmö — see prices.
Seek emergency care or call 112 if…
- A painful red eye or blurred vision during an outbreak — the eye needs to be examined promptly
- Blisters around the mouth together with high fever, or spreading blisters on eczema
Questions
Can I get antiviral tablets by video?
Often yes, when the doctor judges they are needed — for example for severe or frequently recurring cold sores.
Is it the same virus as genital herpes?
Usually a different type, but both types can affect either area. See our page on genital herpes.
See a licensed Swedish doctor by video
2,500 SEK · No personnummer or BankID · Insurance documents included
Get Medical HelpLife-threatening? Call 112.