A cold sore, also known as a fever blister or herpes labialis, is actually the result of contact with the virus herpes simplex 1. Herpes simplex 1 is the milder form of the herpes strain while herpes simplex 2 is the stronger strain that causes genital herpes. Both strains are viruses, meaning that there isn't a cure; you will always have them, however symptoms will come and go over time. If you develop a cold sore, it will eventually heal itself within one to two weeks, however there are steps that you can take to speed up this process and prevent spreading the virus.
Step 1
Use an antiseptic soap to wash the infected areas. Keeping the area clean will promote the healing process and prevent further contamination.
Step 2
Avoid skin-on-skin contact while you have the blister. You can still be contagious even when it appears that the blister has healed or is no longer visible. Avoiding skin-on-skin contact will prevent spreading the virus or becoming reinfected after passing it along to someone else.
Step 3
Wash your hands frequently to prevent spreading the virus to others as well as other sensitive areas of the body, such as your eyes, face and genitals.
Step 4
Use warm or cool compresses to treat any pain associated with the cold sore. Place a clean towel in warm or cool water and apply to the cold sore until symptoms subside. Follow up by drying off the area with a clean, dry towel.
Step 5
Avoid touching the cold sore at all costs. Allow it to develop a scab without removing it. Any contact not related to treatment will only irritate it further, prolonging the healing process.
Things You'll Need
- Antiseptic soap
- Clean towels
