What Are the Treatments for a Cold Sore on the Tongue?

Cold sores are small spots that appear on the tongue, usually due to a cold or infection. The spots can be extremely irritating, particularly when a person tries to eat or talk. Fortunately, there are a variety of cold-sore remedies available as a prescription or over the counter to reduce pain, including Cankaid and amlexanox. Other treatments include acid treatments, coating medication, and home remedies such as icing the area and applying tea bags.

Over-the-Counter Medication

• Over-the-counter medications including Cankaid and Anbesol can be applied right onto the cold sore to help relieve pain, according to Mayo Clinic. Most of these types of medications have a numbing affect to soothe irritation that may be caused by the cold sore bumping up against teeth or other parts of the mouth.

Prescription Medication

• According to Mayo Clinic, prescription medications are applied directly to the cold sore or can come in mouthwash form. Doctors can recommend the best option from several medications, including amlexanox and fluocinonide.

Acid Treatment

• According to Mayo Clinic, acid treatment involves applying acid to the cold sore so that it turns into a burn, since burns heal more quickly than cold sores. This application is usually done by a doctor.

Ice

• Applying ice directly to the cold sore as often as desired reduces pain and inflammation in the area.

Tea Bags

• Placing tea bags against the cold sore helps heal the cold sore with nutrients in the tea. Frozen tea bags will also ease pain and inflammation.