Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, appear as red blisters on the lip. According to MayoClinic.com, cold sores are an infection caused by the herpes simplex 1 virus. A tingling sensation usually precedes the development of a cold sore, giving way to the crusty lesion that grows larger as the outbreak progresses. Topical treatments can help reduce the size of the cold sore, relieving the pain and eventually rendering it invisible within seven to 10 days.
Step 1
Apply a topical treatment that contains docosanol to the cold sore. Squeeze a small amount (about the size of a pea) of docosanol treatment onto a clean fingertip. Massage the ointment onto your cold sore. Daily Med recommends applying the docosanol topical treatment to your lip at the first sign of a cold sore. Signs that a cold sore outbreak is eminent include tingling, burning and itching.
Step 2
Keep the cold sore moist during healing by applying a lubricant. A glycerin or cocoa butter lip balm can provide a protective barrier between the cold sore and irritants, while locking in moisture. Apply the lip balm as often as needed, or whenever the skin around the cold sore feels dry.
Step 3
Take an anti-inflammatory to reduce inflammation around the cold sore and to help relieve pain. An over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen can help. Follow the manufacturer's recommended dosage. The recommended dosage of ibuprofen for an adult (ages 12 and over) is 400mg every four to six hours. Drugs.com reports that your daily dose of ibuprofen should not exceed 3200mg per day.
Step 4
Seek medical advice if your cold sore does not get any smaller or fails to go away within 7 to 10 days. Your physician may decide to prescribe a prescription medication to help heal the cold sore. According to Pub Med Health, prescription medications such as valacyclovir can help relieve cold sore symptoms when taken by mouth, as prescribed for five to seven days.
Tips and Warnings
- Apply the docosanol topical treatment five times daily.
- Store the unused portion of prescribed cold sore medication at room temperature, away from moisture and intense heat. Do not ingest your cold sore prescription if it is outdated; instead, ask your physician for a new prescription.
Things You'll Need
- Docosanol topical treatment
- Lip balm
- Ibuprofen
