Cold sores, sometimes called fever blisters (not the same thing as canker sores), are those painful, irritating, blistering sores that spring up on your mouth and lips. They're really caused by a herpes virus, and there's no real treatment or cure for the cold sore. But, you can take steps to help a cold sore heal a little faster.
What to Do
Step 1
Try a topical cold sore medication. You can buy over-the-counter cold sore medications, or get them from your doctor. Active ingredients to help speed healing of a cold sore include lidocaine and benzyl alcohol, says the Mayo Clinic.
Step 2
Get a prescription for an antiviral medication. If you really need to help your cold sore heal quickly, head to your doctor for a prescription antiviral. Though it won't shorten the healing time by much, the Mayo Clinic says that a prescription antiviral medication can slightly speed healing. But, the earlier you get started, the better your results.
Step 3
Don't touch it. You may be tempted to poke, pick and pluck at a cold sore, but avoid that temptation. Keep your hands off of it and never pick at it to help it heal a little faster, suggests the Mayo Clinic.
Step 4
Take a pain-relieving medication. Though it won't help the cold sore heal any faster, it can certainly make you feel better while you wait. Take an ibuprofen, acetaminophen or aspirin (not for children) to ease the pain of a fever blister. You can also try to soothe the pain with a warm, damp cloth or an ice pack or cold compress, suggests the Mayo Clinic.
Tips and Warnings
- You don't need to do anything to heal a cold sore--it will clear up on its own within about a week or so without any treatment.
- While you have a cold sore, prevent spreading it by not kissing anyone and keeping your hands away from your face.
Things You'll Need
- Topical creams/ointments
- Pain relievers
- Ice pack
- Warm compress
- Antiviral medication
