Cold sores, or fever blisters, are caused by the herpes simplex virus, not a cold. They usually develop on the mouth area, and there is no cure as of 2010. Sometimes the symptoms can last for more than a week. Cold sores usually heal without medical help, but home remedies are available for topical relief. If you try a home remedy, do not squeeze the blister from the cold sore and do not remove the scab prematurely.
Ointments
One home remedy is to use a topical ointment containing lidocaine and benzocaine, available at pharmacies and grocery stores. These creams help to moisten the cold sore and make it less painful. Some ointments also use phenol or camphor to numb the cold sore and an emollient to keep the skin from cracking.
Pain Relievers
If a cold sore is particularly painful, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends to take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Consult with a doctor prior to giving aspirin to children or teenagers because it has been linked to the potentially fatal Reye's syndrome.
Cold or Heat Compress
The NIH recommends using cold or heat to help relieve the pain from cold sores. Apply ice when you feel the first tingling sensations of a cold sore, or apply a warm compress to the blister when it forms. The NIH also says to let the blister heal on its own.
Lysine
The amino acid lysine is an effective remedy for cold sores when taken internally. Take 2,000 to 6,000 mg of lysine when you start to feel the tingling sensation from a cold sore. Start with the lowest dose. Remember to ask your doctor before trying a home remedy like lysine. If your doctor approves the supplement, you can also prevent cold sores by taking one to two 500 mg capsules per day. Lysine is also found in relatively high amounts in dairy foods, potatoes and brewer's yeast.
