Cold sores are small blisters or sores that can be fluid-filled and painful. Unlike canker sores, cold sores are caused by an infection of the herpes simplex virus. Because the body is never completely able to rid itself of this virus, there is no "cure" for cold sores, leading to recurrences over many years. Cold sores usually heal after three to four days and are usually not contagious once they have dried out and crusted over.
Step 1
Wash your hands frequently. One danger of getting a cold sore is that the affected area will become infected with bacteria. Washing your hands frequently, especially before you touch your mouth, will reduce that risk.
Step 2
Apply antiviral creams. These creams are most effective when applied as early as possible and are available with a prescription. These creams will commonly contain either acyclovir or penciclovir.
Step 3
Apply topical anesthetics. These are available over-the-counter and include creams containing benzocaine or lidocaine and include Lipactin and Zilactin. Do not use any steroidal creams, such as cortisone.
Step 4
Take antivirals orally. These include acyclovir and penciclovir pills (fanciclovir can also be used but has not been approved by the FDA for this purpose). These medications are most effective when taken as soon as the symptoms start in the "prodromal" stage, which is when symptoms start but the cold sore is not actually visible.
Step 5
Apply Docosanol cream. This is the only over-the-counter cream that is effective at speeding the healing of cold sores and should be applied five times a day until the cold sore has healed.
Things You'll Need
- Antiviral creams
- Topical anesthetics
- Antiviral medications
- Docosanol cream
