Cold sores, also known as fever blisters or herpes labialis, are a common yet inconvenient occurrence. Although some people may develop one before, during or after they catch a cold, cold sores are actually caused by exposure to the herpes simplex 1 virus. Herpes simplex 1 is the milder form of herpes simplex 2, the virus that causes genital herpes. Because herpes labialis is a virus, that means there isn't a cure and that if you contract them once they will reoccur over time. Cold sores will generally heal themselves in one to two weeks; however, taking action can prevent spreading the virus further and speed up the healing process.
Step 1
Wash infected areas with an antiseptic soap. Antiseptic soaps have minimal fragrance to prevent further irritation and the antiseptic components help to fight bacteria.
Step 2
Use an over-the-counter topical medication such as Abreva. This medication can be used up to five times per day until the cold sore has healed.
Step 3
Wash your hands frequently to prevent spreading the virus to other parts of your body or to others.
Step 4
Wash any clothing or towels that come into contact with the infected area, daily. Use warm water and dry with hot heat to kill the virus.
Step 5
Avoid any skin-to-skin contact while and even after you have the blister to prevent reinfection and further contamination to others. Even when the blister has healed, you can still be contagious.
Tips and Warnings
- Avoid touching the cold sore and infected area at all costs. Repetitive touching can cause further irritation or increase your chances of spreading the virus.
Things You'll Need
- Antiseptic soap
- Over-the-counter topical medication
- Clean, dry towels
