Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are highly contagious lesions that break and scab over on the lips. Caused by the herpes simplex virus, or HSV, cold sores often recur as the virus lies dormant in the nerve cells of an infected person. Stress, fatigue, fever and sun exposure can trigger recurrent attacks. Symptoms include tingling on the lips before an outbreak, followed by the appearance of small, painful blisters. Treatments reduce symptoms, but don't cure the infection.
Antiviral Medications
Antiviral medications may benefit people with severe or prolonged outbreaks, or those with suppressed immune systems. Antiviral prescription medications such as acyclovir, valacylovir or famciclovir may shorten the duration of an outbreak slightly--by a day or so--and reduce discomfort, according to The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. Treatment helps the most if started at the first sign of an outbreak, before blisters appear. People with very frequent outbreaks may want to take antiviral medications continuously to suppress the virus and decrease the number and severity of outbreaks.
Topical Anesthetics
Topical anesthetics such as lidocaine numb the pain when applied directly to cold sores, MayoClinic.com states. Lidocaine and other numbing agents should not be swallowed, and should be used no more than every few hours, warns The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library, because they can have harmful side effects if used more frequently.
Pain Medications
Over-the-counter pain medications such as aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen are generally adequate to relive pain from cold sores, according to MayoClinic.com.
Antibiotics
If secondary bacterial infection occurs, antibiotic ointments may be applied to control the infection, states the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.
Applying Compresses
Applying warm or cold compresses to cold sores helps relieve discomfort. Compresses should be discarded after use so that other people don't pick up the herpes simplex virus from them; the virus is very contagious and easily spread.
