According to MayoClinic.com, cold sores or fever blisters are filled with fluid and caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1. The sores can be painful and the virus that causes the sores can be brought out by trauma, illness, stress or menstruation, says the University of Arizona Campus Health Service Pharmacy. There is no way to cure or prevent cold sores from occurring, but certain medications and methods can help get rid of them quickly.
Step 1
Attack and treat the cold sore immediately upon first sign of symptoms. According to the University of Arizona Health Services Center, cold sores show prodromal symptoms one to 48 hours before the sore or blister appears. Symptoms usually include numbness, itching, tingling or burning around the area where the blister will be. Treating the sore quickly can shorten the infection period, which averages five days.
Step 2
Clean the cold sore area thoroughly before applying medicine to the area. Alcohol or another strong cleansing agents should be applied to keep the wound clean. The University of Arizona Health Services Center says that by cleaning the wound and not picking at it, you can avoid infection and prevent spreading of the virus fluids.
Step 3
Apply a topical medication to the sore every two to three hours when you are awake. The Arizona Health Science Center says that over-the-counter Abreva or 10 percent docosonal cream has shown to be as effective as some prescription medications. Apply Abreva soon after signs of infection and use it at least five times per day. Prescription medications like Zovarix and Denavir can also slow the duration of cold sores.
Things You'll Need
- Abreva (docosanol cream)
- Prescription creams
