How to Get Rid of a Large Lip Sore

One of the worst images to find in your mirror is a big lip sore. The sore commonly spreads across the lip and onto the skin around your mouth, making it difficult to disguise with makeup. The cause of the sore is herpes simplex virus-1. Such sores can recur several times throughout your life. There is good news, though. You can treat the sores so that they disappear more quickly and cause you less pain.

Things You'll Need

• Antibacterial soap
• Washcloth
• Petroleum jelly or antibacterial ointment
• Over-the-counter cold sore medication

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Instructions

• 1

  Keep your hands and fingers away from the sore, so that you are not tempted to scratch or squeeze it. If you open the blister, the pus and clear fluid will infect other areas of your lips and face.

• 2

  Cleanse your skin with a clean washcloth and antibacterial soap. Use very hot water, as it will aid in sterilizing the area and avoiding infection.

• 3

  Scrub in gentle strokes with the hot soapy washcloth to fully cleanse your entire face. Leave the area where the sore is located until last to avoid spreading any seepage to the rest of your face.

• 4

  Apply a petroleum-based ointment to your cold sore to seal it and keep it from leaking. Apply it thickly around the sore and then directly on the sore.

• 5

  Purchase and use an over-the-counter cold-sore medication if your symptoms persist. If you have a stubborn sore or frequent recurrences, see a dermatologist for treatment and prevention.

• 6

  Speak with your dermatologist about L-lysine or other medications or supplements that have been shown to reduce the outbreaks of herpes and cold sores.