Two friends talking on stone steps on a college campus in autumn

is this normal?

A cold sore on my lip

Nothing to hide away for: a pharmacist can help.

  1. Pharmacy first

    A pharmacist can assess cold sores and prescribe treatment if needed, under the HSE Common Conditions Service.

  2. Then a GP

    If it is spreading, near your eye, or not healing, see a GP.

    Find a GP (HSE) →

Review pending No GP has reviewed this answer yet. It points you to a place to go; it is not medical advice. Who answers

See a doctor online, no family GP

Video or phone, depending on the provider. From €34.99: the lowest published weekday fee of the 16 online GPs we list.

Compare online GPs from €34.99

Your appointment is with the online provider, not your family GP, and the provider’s own privacy terms apply. Doctors owe young people confidentiality, but can’t promise absolute secrecy (what that means). You pay a fee. Under 18? Check the provider’s age rules before you book. Fees from each provider's own site, checked 29 October 2026, listed on gpcompare.ie.

What the pharmacy costs

The HSE says “The pharmacist will charge you for the service” and “You’ll have to pay even if you have a medical card.” The pharmacist tells you the cost before the consultation.

How the pharmacy service works (HSE) →

Source: HSE: Common Conditions Service. Checked 29 October 2026.