Herpes labialis, more commonly known as cold sores, is an infection of the mouth caused by the herpes simplex virus type I. Also referred to as fever blisters, this condition is characterized by pus-filled lesions that develop around the lips, mouth or gums. It's often passed from one person with an active lesion to another, explains the Mayo Clinic. But exposure to the virus may also come from shared objects with someone suffering from herpes labialis.
Step 1
Wait for lesions to dry up on their own. Most cold sores clear up without treatment in approximately two weeks, according to the Mayo Clinic. You may want to wait for the infection to run its course.
Step 2
Wash the affected area with an antiseptic soap, urges the National Institutes of Health. While this does nothing to dry up the cold sores, it can help prevent the infection from spreading to other areas of the skin. Wash infected skin one to two times a day.
Step 3
Apply a topical ointment to the cold sore itself. When applied every two hours, creams containing either penciclovir or acyclovir can shorten your outbreak, asserts the National Institutes of Health. Penciclovir and acyclovir are considered antiviral medications. You may also benefit from benzocaine, a topical medication that protects fever blisters from further irritation, or lidocaine, a topical pain reliever, advises the Mayo Clinic.
Step 4
Talk to your doctor about a prescription medication. Oral medications can speed healing time, and thereby help to dry up cold sores. Antiviral medications like acyclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir work best, notes the Mayo Clinic, especially when taken at the onset of blistering.
Step 5
Avoid irritating the lesions. To aid in recovery, the Mayo Clinic recommends that you steer clear of picking at the blisters, which can prolong recovery time.
Tips and Warnings
- If you're experiencing any pain as a result of the cold sores, consider taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen or naproxen.
- Some people suffering from cold sores actually have triggers that initiate outbreaks. Sun exposure and stress are two of the more common ones. If you find that either of these triggers bring on cold sores, avoid sun exposure, wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more and practice stress management to avoid an outbreak. Stress management includes deep-breathing exercises, active relaxation, aerobic exercise, yoga and meditation.
Things You'll Need
- Antiseptic soap
- Antiviral cream
- Oral antiviral medication
- NSAIDs (optional)
