Get Help for Cold Sores in Istanbul
Featured in
€20
Get immediate care for your cold sores while traveling in Istanbul
- Video call with a local doctor in under 5 minutes
- Pick up your medicine at a nearby pharmacy
- Get a free 7-day follow-up via chat
How I Managed My Cold Sores With an Online Doctor in Istanbul
01/06/2025
Key Points
- Don't wait for symptoms of cold sores to worsen—book the first available appointment, as doctors can be in high demand, especially when seeking cold sores medicine in Istanbul.
- Trust online consultations for medication for cold sores—they’re effective and can save you a stressful visit to a crowded clinic.
- Skip hospitals for minor ailments like cold sores to avoid long wait times and potential exposure to other illnesses, and instead consider how to get rid of cold sores fast through an online doctor prescription.
It hit me—a sudden, nasty cold sore eruption while wandering the bustling streets of Istanbul. As someone who doesn’t speak Turkish, finding local medical help felt daunting. The last thing I wanted was to navigate a foreign healthcare system, especially since I’d heard it could be expensive and overwhelming. Luckily, I needed cold sores medicine in Istanbul and had a plan.
Frustration bubbling, I remembered a friend mentioning Doctorsa for times just like this. With my phone in hand, I quickly accessed the platform—no signup hassle, just a few taps, and there I was, scrolling through a list of English-speaking doctors. It was perfect. Within minutes, I was on a video call with a doctor who explained how to get rid of cold sores fast and prescribed the meds I needed.
I half-expected a hefty bill—especially since back home, healthcare costs are notoriously high. But when I saw that everything, doctor’s visit and prescriptions included, was under 100 Euros, it was a pleasant surprise. Honestly, the whole experience was smoother and cheaper than dealing with insurance back in the States.
Feeling relieved and a bit smug, knowing I’d avoided an all-day affair at a clinic, I picked up my prescription and carried on exploring Istanbul. Doctorsa not only provided me with immediate care but also saved my day, proving how convenient it can be to get a prescription online.
See a cold sores doctor for a fast treatment in Istanbul
Starting from
Availability
Response time
How does it work?
99% of our users solve their issue within 1 hour. No waiting, no language barriers, no insurance needed.
Answer a few questions
Just answer a few questions about your cold sores and choose a convenient time for your online session. It’s simple and hassle-free, with no need to sign up.
Select and connect
Doctors respond in minutes. Select your preferred one and start your virtual consultation right from your web browser.
7-day free follow-up chat
Reach out to your doctor with any questions you might have, at no extra cost for 7 days following your consultation.
A Tourist’s Guide to Medical Care in Istanbul
Online Consultations:
Great for minor but urgent issues that don’t need a physical exam, such as cold sores or related symptoms.
With Doctorsa you can connect with an English-speaking doctor via video call in just a few minutes, get medical advice and, if appropriate, receive an e-prescription that can be used at any pharmacy. No need to worry about office hours or holidays. Clear and upfront pricing: consultations start at €20, so tourists in Istanbul needing treatment for cold sores can access affordable healthcare without surprises. Insurances accepted but not required.
Learn more about cold sores treatment online.
Hospitals in Istanbul
For serious, potentially life-threatening issues that require immediate, specialized treatment, like breathing difficulties, severe bleeding, or head injuries. Non-urgent visits use up resources needed for emergency patients. ERs are for serious, life-threatening issues. Going there for something like cold sores adds to doctors’ workload and may take time away from those in critical need.
Important: The information provided here about hospitals is for general reference only. We recommend verifying current details, such as contact information, services, and hours of operation, before visiting. Please reach out directly to the hospital or consult their official website for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
Hospitals with Emergency Rooms in Istanbul
American Hospital
Address: Nişantaşı, Teşvikiye Cd. No:20, 34365 Şişli/İstanbul, Turkey
Access: Walk-in emergency services are available 24/7. For severe emergencies, calling the national emergency number 112 is recommended for ambulance dispatch.
Mayo Hospital
Address: Sarıyer, Tarabya Mahallesi, Dr. Zeki Zeren Cd. No:19, 34457 Sarıyer/İstanbul, Turkey
Access: Emergency room accepts walk-in patients at all hours. Ambulance services can be reached via the national emergency number 112.
Florence Nightingale Hospital
Address: Acıbadem Mahallesi, Abdi İpekçi Cd. No:19, 34718 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Turkey
Access: The hospital offers 24-hour emergency care with walk-in access. Ambulance assistance is accessible through the 112 emergency hotline.
Walk-in clinics
Best for minor conditions needing same-day, in-person specialist attention—like X-rays for sprains or cuts that may need stitches, injections, advanced diagnostics, or other invasive procedures.
Pharmacies in Istanbul, Turkey
In Istanbul, pharmacies are known as “eczane” (pronounced ed-zah-neh). They are easily identifiable by a red and white sign with a large red “E” above the entrance. Pharmacies follow standardized signage and are open during regular business hours, with designated duty pharmacies (nöbetçi eczane) available after hours and on weekends.
Antibiotic Availability in Istanbul
In Istanbul, antibiotics are not sold over the counter. A valid prescription from a licensed medical professional is required for purchase, in accordance with national pharmaceutical regulations.
Emergency Number for Istanbul, Turkey
The emergency number for Istanbul is 112. This number connects you to ambulance services, fire departments, and police in urgent, life-threatening situations. Dialing 112 ensures that you receive immediate assistance from the appropriate emergency responders.
Please remember, emergency numbers should only be used for life-threatening or critical emergencies. For urgent but non-life-threatening health issues, telehealth services like Doctorsa provide convenient and professional medical advice without the need to visit a hospital.
Online Care vs. Emergency Room for Cold Sores treatment in Istanbul
| ONLINE DOCTOR FOR Cold Sores | |
|---|---|
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Low cost (avg. €25 for cold sores) | ❌ Not for life-threatening situations. |
| ✅ Quick response (avg. 5 mins) | |
| ✅ 24/7/365 availability | |
| ✅ cold sores prescription online | |
| ✅ English-speaking doctors | |
| ✅ Free 7-day follow-up via chat | |
| EMERGENCY HOSPITAL FOR Cold Sores | |
|---|---|
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ 365/24/7 availability | ❌ Long wait times for simple cold sores cases |
| ❌ Difficulty communicating | |
| ❌ Risk of airborne diseases | |
| ❌ No follow-up | |
| ❌ Higher costs | |
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Your questions answered
How to get cold sores tablets in Istanbul?
Getting tablets for cold sores in Istanbul can be straightforward with Doctorsa. Instead of navigating healthcare in Turkey, you can connect with a licensed English-speaking doctor online through our telehealth platform in minutes. They’ll assess your symptoms via a virtual consultation and, if appropriate, provide a digital prescription you can use at a local pharmacy. It’s fast, hassle-free, and designed for people who need urgent care without the stress. Experience the convenience of telemedicine with Doctorsa today and get the care you need right from your smartphone!
Can you get cold sores tablets over the counter in Istanbul?
The rules for getting this medication can differ from place to place. If you’re not sure about the specifics in Turkey, it’s a good idea to speak with a doctor for accurate information and guidance. If you need to get the medication right away, you can easily talk to an English-speaking doctor online through Doctorsa. They can answer your questions and get you a prescription quickly, if needed.
Can cold sores go away on their own?
Sure, some minor issues might get better on their own, but it’s always a bit of a gamble. Sometimes you’ll be fine, but other times ignoring a problem can lead to bigger issues or a longer recovery. For example, letting cold sores go untreated can make things a lot worse. A lot of travelers put off seeing a doctor because it just feels like too much trouble—especially somewhere unfamiliar. But with Doctorsa, there’s no need to wait or take any chances. You can connect with an English-speaking doctor in minutes, get the treatment you need, and even have prescriptions sent right to you. It’s quick, easy, and designed to take the stress out of healthcare, even when you’re far from home. Why hope for the best when getting help is this simple?
How does Doctorsa work?
Open the intake form and choose one of the following options:
- Urgent Care: For immediate treatment of your cold sores via virtual care.
- Set Up an Appointment: To schedule a same-day or future appointment.
Next, select how you would like to receive appointment offers from doctors.
We recommend using WhatsApp as it is faster and more reliable. You will quickly receive various visit options. Choose the one that suits you best and proceed to online payment.
Video visits are browser-based, so no apps are needed. Simply click the link you receive to start your video visit in your browser.
After the consultation, you’ll receive an invoice and, if appropriate, an e-prescription via email. Depending on the location, you can show or print the prescription to purchase medication at your preferred pharmacy.
Learn more about how to see a doctor in Turkey as a foreignerHow do I get a prescription from an online doctor?
Following the consultation, if appropriate for your case, the doctor will either email the e-prescription to you or send it directly to the pharmacy. You can then either print it out or show it to the pharmacist when purchasing the medication.
It’s important to understand that doctors must responsibly evaluate each case individually. They can’t simply prescribe medication solely based on a patient’s request or a recommendation from another doctor without confirming that it’s suitable for the patient’s specific condition.
How much does it cost?
Prices vary depending on the provider since they compete to offer you a fair rate. On average, an online doctor visit costs around €25. In-person appointments, specialists, and lab work have different prices depending on the city. When you send a request you can choose the provider that suits you best but there’s no obligation to book.
Keep in mind that the consultation fee doesn’t include medication. The good news is that common antibiotics are generally affordable throughout Europe, usually between €5 and €15.
Are doctors available on weekends?
Absolutely! As soon as you send in your request, it’s instantly received by the doctors who are on duty at that moment. It doesn’t matter if it’s late at night, early on a Sunday morning, or even on May 1st when Istanbul celebrates Labour and Solidarity Day—there’s always someone ready to help. When you get an appointment option, just remember that a real doctor has seen your request and is ready to assist you.
Can I contact the doctor for follow-up questions after the consultation?
You can message your physician with follow-up questions at no additional cost for up to 7 days after the video visit.
