The herpes simplex virus 1, or HSV-1, causes sores known as fever blisters or cold sores that occur on the mouth and lips of an infected person. HSV-1 enters the body through contact with a person infected with it by kissing or sharing personal items such as a fork. No known cure exists for herpes and the virus can cause outbreaks around the mouth triggered by stress, illness and the sun. Although the sore will resolve without treatment, some measures can help ease the pain and shorten the duration of the outbreak.
Oral Medications
Several oral antiviral medications such as valacyclovir, famcicilovir and acyclovir can help treat a cold sore. Although these prescription medications do not make the herpes sore go away, the drugs can help decrease the severity and duration of the outbreak. The effectiveness of these medications is best when an individual takes the drug at the first sign of tingling and before the blister appears, according to the Patient Education Institute, Inc.
Individuals who experience frequent outbreaks may benefit from taking the antiviral medications as a daily suppressive therapy in order to reduce the frequency of herpes outbreaks. Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help relieve pain and decrease inflammation associated with a herpes outbreak.
Topical Medications
In addition to oral medication, topical options can help decrease healing time for a herpes outbreak. Prescription medications such as penciclovir and acyclovir reduce pain and shorten the outbreak. The individual needs to apply peniciclovir every two hours, while awake, for the duration of the sore in order to increase healing by a few hours or a day, according to MedlinePlus. An over-the-counter cream applied five times each day may help treat the sore. Topical anesthetics can numb the area and provide pain relief for an individual with a fever blister.
Heat and Ice Therapy
Placing ice packs on the herpes sore can help provide pain relief. Methods for applying ice to the lip and mouth include sucking on an ice pop and wrapping ice in a paper towel. Applying a warm compress may also help relieve pain, according to MayoClinic.com.
