An infection with the herpes simplex virus type 1 leads to the development of small, painful blisters called cold sores or fever blisters. Cold sores can appear on or around the mouth, lips, and gums. The virus can spread through intimate and personal contact, or through contact with shared articles. Cold sores generally clear up without treatment, though treatment may help shorten the healing time and duration of symptoms.
Oral Antiviral Medication
According to Medline plus, antiviral medications taken by mouth may help the symptoms go away sooner and decrease the pain. Cold sores can recur, and antiviral medications work best at the first sign of symptoms or before any sores appear. Recurrent outbreaks involve warning symptoms in the affected area that include itching, burning, increased sensitivity, or a tingling sensation about two days before any sores appear. The doctor may prescribe antiviral medications indefinitely for people who have frequent outbreaks of cold sores.
Topical Antiviral Medications
Topical antiviral ointments or creams may help to shorten the duration of symptoms. However, topical treatments do not prevent outbreaks, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Topical antiviral medications work best when the cream or ointment is applied to the affected area within the first hour of symptoms, or at the first sign of pain or tingling. Cold sores treated with topical antiviral medications heal on average about half a day faster than sores without treatment, according to UMMC.
Pain Relievers
MayoClinic.com recommends taking over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce pain. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen can ease the pain and decrease inflammation. Over-the-counter topical analgesics may provide modest relief from pain, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Applying ice or warm compresses to the blisters helps to ease the pain as well.
Proper Hygiene
Cold sores can spread easily, but proper hygiene can prevent the virus from spreading to other areas of the skin, reports Medline Plus. Washing the blisters gently with an antiseptic soap as well as frequent hand washing keeps the virus from spreading. Squeezing, pinching or picking at the blisters can transmit the virus by touching other areas of the skin afterward, and opening the blisters may allow for a secondary bacterial skin infection to occur.
