A cold sore, also known as a fever blister or oral herpes, is a painful and small fluid-filled blister located around your mouth. According to Medline Plus, cold sores are caused by a contagious virus called herpes. Prior to getting a cold sore you may experience pain and tingling in your mouth and one to two days later, you can develop a cold sore that lasts seven to 10 days. There are specific steps to treat cold sores fast.
Step 1
Go to your local pharmacy and purchase an over-the-counter ointment or cream that contains topical lidocaine or benzyl alcohol. Apply the cream or ointment on your cold sore daily or as the package insert recommends. These medications serve to provide you with instant pain relief.
Step 2
Go to your family doctor and obtain a prescription for an antiviral medication such as acyclovir or valcyclovir. These medications serve to fight the herpes infection.
Step 3
Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin or acetaminophen.
Step 4
Apply a cold pack or warm compress to your cold sore for 15 to 30 minutes. This may temporarily relieve cold sores fast.
Step 5
Avoid squeezing and picking the cold sore. Allow the cold sore to heal on its own.
Things You'll Need
- Over-the-counter ointment or cream that contains topical lidocaine or benzyl alcohol
- Antiviral medications such as acyclovir or famciclovir
- Over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin or acetaminophen
- Cold pack
- Heat pack
