Caring for Cold Sores in Madrid

A Tourist’s Guide to Medical Care in Madrid

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 Madrid 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 Madrid

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 Madrid

Hospital Universitario La Paz
Address: Paseo de la Castellana, 261, 28046 Madrid, Spain
Access: Walk-in visits are available for emergencies, or you can call the emergency number 112 for urgent cases needing ambulance services.

Hospital Clínico San Carlos
Address: Calle del Prof. Martín Lagos, s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
Access: Emergency services are available via walk-in and by contacting the emergency number 112 for critical emergencies.

Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón
Address: Calle del Dr. Esquerdo, 46, 28007 Madrid, Spain
Access: Patients can access emergency services through walk-in or by dialing the emergency number 112 for immediate attention.

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 Madrid, Spain

In Madrid, pharmacies are known as “farmacias.” They are easily identifiable by a green cross sign that is usually illuminated, making them visible at all hours. Pharmacies are an essential part of everyday life in the city and provide a range of health-related products and services.

Antibiotics Policy in Spain

In Spain, pharmacists are not allowed to sell antibiotics over the counter. Antibiotics can only be dispensed with a valid prescription from a healthcare professional. This regulation is in place to help combat antibiotic resistance and ensure that these medications are used appropriately.

Emergency Number in Madrid

In Madrid, as well as the rest of Spain, the primary emergency number is 112. This number is accessible from any phone, including mobile phones without a SIM card, and is available 24/7. It is a free service that connects you to the appropriate emergency services, such as police, fire brigade, or medical assistance.

The 112 emergency service is designed to handle calls in multiple languages, which is particularly beneficial for tourists and non-Spanish speakers. When you call 112, an operator will assess your situation and dispatch the necessary services to your location. It is crucial to provide clear and concise information about the nature of the emergency and your exact location to ensure a rapid response.

Remember, the 112 number should only be used for genuine emergencies. For non-urgent situations, consider using online doctor services like Doctorsa.