The herpes simplex virus type 1 causes cold sores, also known as fever blisters, which commonly appear on the lips, corners of the mouth and occasionally inside the mouth. According to MedlinePlus, nearly all Americans are infected with oral herpes by the time they reach age 20. Symptoms of the condition include small painful blisters filled with yellow fluid that eventually open and form yellow crusts on the surface before healing. Occasionally, a group of small blisters forms into a larger blister. Most cold sores heal within one to two weeks without any medical treatment. A variety of home remedies decrease the duration of the blister and sooth irritation.
Step 1
Clean the blisters with warm soap and water to prevent the spread of the virus to the nose or eyes, suggests MedlinePlus. The website suggests using an antiseptic soap.
Step 2
Numb the area and decrease pain by applying ice chips or an ice cube directly onto the cold sore. Holding a warm compress or washcloth onto the cold sore also might temporarily decrease pain.
Step 3
Drink cold fluids or eat ice cream to help sooth the cold sore and decrease pain. Avoid foods that irritate the cold sore, such as tomatoes or oranges.
Step 4
Ease pain caused by the cold sore by taking over-the-counter medications. Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen, recommends MayoClinic.com. Eat food or drink a glass of milk if taking ibuprofen to prevent the risk of gastric ulcers or internal bleeding. Do not give children or teenagers aspirin because of the risk of Reye's syndrome.
Tips and Warnings
- Prevent spreading the cold sore to others by not sharing utensils or kissing when the condition is present. Practice good hygiene to decrease the spread of the virus by washing hands frequently. Avoid touching the eyes and genital area to prevent the spread of the virus to other areas of the body.
- Do not pop, pinch or squeeze a cold sore. Immediately seek medical attention if you feel the virus has infected your eye. According to MedlinePlus, oral herpes is the leading cause of cornea damage and blindness in the United States. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist longer than two weeks or are extremely severe.
Things You'll Need
- Antiseptic soap
- Water
- Ice chips or ice cube
- Warm compress or washcloth
- Cold fluids or ice cream
- Over-the-counter pain medications
