You should seek treatment for a cold sore if you have:
- Eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis)
- Numerous, frequent or extremely painful cold sores
- An outbreak that doesn’t clear up on its own in about 2 weeks
- Sores on your eyes, hands, genitals, or another part of your body
- HIV or cancer
- A compromised immune system, or if you are undergoing chemotherapy or taking medication that weakens your immune system