Cold sores are fluid-filled blisters that most commonly occur on the lips but can appear in other areas, including the nose, chin and around the eyes. These sores, also referred to as fever blisters, are the result of infection with the herpes simplex virus. Cold sores can be spread through skin-to-skin contact. These painful sores heal on their own, usually within 10 days, but there are steps you can take to get rid of the blisters faster.
Step 1
Ask your physician or dentist for a prescription for the drug acyclovir in its cream form. Apply to the cold sore as directed for speedy healing. This medicine works best when a fever blister is in its early stages. Your doctor may prescribe a daily regimen of aciclovir tablets if you experience many cold sores during a year.
Step 2
Use an over-the-counter ointment containing povidone-iodide (a disinfectant) for your cold sore if you do not obtain a prescription medication. This cream is directly applied to the sore and is helpful in reducing symptoms in some individuals. Others find success in speeding healing by treating a blister with aloe vera. A leaf of the plant can be broken open and the inside gel applied directly to the cold sore.
Step 3
Protect the cold sore and the area around it by keeping it clean. Wash it gently with water and mild soap. Dry it by dabbing with a soft, white cloth. Apply antibacterial cream to help prevent other infections from developing. These hygienic actions can help get rid of the blister quickly.
Step 4
Use an ice compress if the cold sore is in its early stages. The cold will not only soothe the tingling and pain associated with fever blisters but also can help keep it from becoming larger. Reapply ice compresses frequently.
Step 5
Use sun block on your face and lips when staying out of doors. Many lip balms now contain sunscreen, so purchase one with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 8 or higher to protect your cold core from harmful rays.
Step 6
Take good overall care of yourself when you have a fever blister. Avoid working long hours, take time to relax and rest every day, go to bed early and don't take on new projects unless absolutely necessary. The herpes virus remains in your blood stream once you are infected, and stress is a known trigger for outbreaks. Treating yourself well is important at all times, especially when you have a blister.
Tips and Warnings
- Help avoid outbreaks by reducing your stress level, protecting your face from chapping winds and eating a diet high in the amino acid lysine (beans, lentils and spinach are good sources).
- Do not "pick" at a cold sore that is scabbing over, as this can spread the infection and cause scarring.
