Key takeaways
- There is no cure for cold sores, but a person can speed up their healing with a range of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medication.
- Some evidence suggests certain home remedies may also help get rid of a cold sore. However, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional before trying natural remedies.
- Cold sores tend to resolve on their own. People may benefit from contacting a doctor if they experience severe symptoms or if symptoms persist for longer than two weeks.
Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are lesions that typically occur due to the herpes simplex 1 virus (HSV-1). They usually form on or around the mouth, but can also develop inside the nose or on the chin or cheek.
The first symptoms of a cold sore include a tingling, itching, or burning sensation. Within around 48 hours, a sore will appear. It usually heals within
Home remedies and medications may help speed the healing of cold sores. Medications are especially effective if a person uses them as soon as symptoms arise.
Various medications can help someone manage cold sores, including:
- oral antiviral medications, such as:
- acyclovir (Zovirax)
- valacyclovir (Valtrex)
- famciclovir (Famvir)
- topical antivirals, such as acyclovir cream or docosanol (Abreva)
- topical or oral anti-inflammatory medications
- pain relief medications
Doctors may recommend the above medications as first-line treatments for cold sores, as they are clinically proven to speed healing and reduce cold sore pain.
Pharmacies may also offer products such as cold sore patches, which can help protect the skin during the healing process and may contain medication to support healing.
Phototherapy or laser devices may also help speed up the recovery time.
People should begin treatment within 24 to 72 hours of first noticing symptoms, such as a tingling or burning sensation. It is important to follow the product’s instructions carefully.
There is limited evidence that natural remedies and other home care techniques can reduce the spread of the virus and ease discomfort from the sores. Most evidence comes from anecdotal reports.
A 2023 review suggests that the following natural ingredients may show some promise in managing cold sores:
Homeopathy
Some people have tried the following homeopathic remedies as cold sore treatments:
- calendula ointment
- natrum muriaticum
- rhus toxicodendron
- arsenicum album
- mezereum
- graphites
- hepar sulphuris calcareum
However, it is important to seek advice from a professional before trying any of the above remedies. Some can have unwanted effects.
Vitamin C
While vitamin C cannot cure cold sores, it may assist in the healing process.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that
- most berries
- tomatoes
- peppers
- kiwis
- broccoli
- spinach
- orange juice
However, more research is necessary before healthcare professionals recommend vitamin C as a treatment for cold sores.
People with cold sores should seek medical care if they experience:
- sores that last longer than 2 weeks
- cold sores that occur more than six times per year
- severe symptoms
- sores near the eyes
- sore that spread to other areas of the body
Anyone with a weakened immune system may also benefit from seeing a doctor, as they may have an increased risk of complications. Some types of cancer, HIV, and various medical treatments can weaken the immune system.
The doctor may prescribe antiviral creams or oral medications. The treatment usually involves taking a daily pill, and it may speed up healing by around
The first cold sore typically appears 2 to 20 days after exposure to HSV-1. A sore tends to develop in the following stages:
- The person feels a burning or tingling sensation in the area where the sore will form.
- Within two days, a tiny, inflamed bump appears.
- The bump may become a blister, and the fluid inside may turn cloudy as the body’s immune cells fight the infection.
- Soon after becoming cloudy, the blister may break, releasing its fluid.
- The blister dries up and a scab forms.
- After about 7 to 14 days, the sore disappears.
There may also be other symptoms, including:
These symptoms usually only appear during the first outbreak but may happen with recurrence.
Reccurrence of cold sores
Once a person has the HSV-1 virus, it usually remains inactive in the body, but it can reactivate and form more sores.
Factors that can trigger a new outbreak include:
- illness or stress
- UV light exposure, from sunlight or a tanning bed
- menstruation
According to the World Health Organization (WHO),
When sores are present, the virus can spread from the onset of tingling until after the sore has healed. The virus can also spread at other times — transmission can happen whether cold sores are visible or not.
To reduce the risk of the virus spreading:
- Avoid kissing and other intimate activities while sores are present.
- Regularly wash the hands, particularly after touching the cold sore.
- Avoid sharing items that come into contact with a sore, such as toothbrushes.
- Avoid contact between a sore and any broken skin or mucous membranes, such as inside the mouth or nose.
- Use a barrier method of protection, such as a condom or dental dam, during all sexual activity.
- Avoid kissing or touching infants.
Having strong hygiene and limiting physical contact with others when symptoms are present can limit the spread of the virus.
Below are some additional tips for managing cold sores:
- Avoid touching the sores as much as possible.
- Wash the hands frequently, especially before and after touching a sore.
- Use a sterile, disposable cotton swab to apply ointments, creams, or oils.
- Dab medications onto sores, instead of rubbing them in.
- Replace toothbrushes and any other oral hygiene tools at the first sign of an outbreak and after it clears.
- While sores are present on the lips, eat cool, soft foods and avoid salty or rough foods, which can irritate the sores.
- Use sunscreen or lip balm with an SPF of at least 15 on the area.
- Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
Cold sores are the most common symptom of an HSV-1 infection. Some people have repeated outbreaks of these sores, while others have the infection but never experience symptoms.
Various over-the-counter or prescription treatments can help manage cold sores, and some people experience benefits from trying home remedies.
If the sores are severe or persistent, contact a doctor. They may be able to prescribe treatments and offer tips that can help a person manage their cold sores.