Cold sores, which are also called fever blisters, are fluid-filled lesions caused by the herpes simplex virus. Nearly 90 percent of adults over age 50 have been exposed to herpes simplex, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Cold sores will usually clear on their own within 10 to 14 days, but they can reappear indefinitely. Fever blisters may be more persistent and severe in people who have a compromised immune system. Although cold sores can't be prevented or cured, you can take steps to help prevent a recurrence and shorten an outbreak.
Herbs
Black walnut has antiseptic properties that may help treat cold sores. Apply black walnut extract directly to the infection several times a day, according to the website HerbalRemediesInfo.com. Iowa State University Extension Service notes that while black walnut shows promise for medicinal applications, further research is needed.
Rubbing aloe juice on a cold sore may speed healing if it's applied at the first sign of symptoms in the affected area. Warning signs of an impending cold sore may include pain, itching or tingling up to two days before the blister appears.
Applying mint extract may also expedite healing and encourage a cold sore to disappear a few days sooner than it would on its own.
Topical Anesthetics
Over-the-counter topical anesthetic ointments may offer some relief from cold sores until they heal naturally, according to the American Dental Association.
Lidocaine may provide short-term pain relief while benzocaine, brand name Ziactin, may protect cold sores from trauma and irritation. These over-the-counter topicals are generally applied every two hours. They may only shorten the duration of a cold sore by up to 24 hours.
Antiviral Drugs
Oral antiviral medications, including acyclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir, may modestly reduce the life of a cold sore and diminish pain. These oral treatments work best used at the earliest sign that a cold sore is developing, according to MedlinePlus.
If you get cold sores on a regular basis, your doctor may suggest that you take antiviral drugs continuously.
Home Care
Washing cold sore blisters gently with soap and water can help reduce the spread of the virus to other areas of skin. Placing ice on the sore may encourage healing and diminish pain. You may also promote the natural healing process by not picking, pinching, squeezing, scratching or rubbing the blister, advises Aurora Health Care.org.
