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How to Get Rid of a Herpes Sore

A herpes sore caused by the herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 or HSV-2) can be itchy and painful--and if you have a sore on your mouth caused by HSV-1 (oral herpes), this can also negatively affect your appearance. Prescription medication may be warranted to treat both oral and genital herpes sores, if your outbreaks are frequent and severe. But there are also common-sense approaches to get rid of a herpes sore that involve simple modifications in your lifestyle, as well as preventive strategies.

Things You'll Need

  • Prescription oral antivirals
  • Prescription topical antivirals
  • OTC docosanol topical cream
  • Cornstarch
  • Damp black tea bag
  • Cotton underwear
  • Ice pack or cold compress
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Instructions

  1. Genital Herpes Sores

    • 1

      Consult with your health care practitioner about use of oral antiviral medications. These include acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir) and valacyclovir (Valtrex). These medications reduce the severity of an initial outbreak and reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms in subsequent outbreaks as well, notes the Mayo Clinic.

    • 2

      Use oral antivirals as appropriate to your situation. Mayo Clinic experts note that taking them episodically--whenever you first notice symptoms of a herpes sore--is best suited to those who are not sexually active and have infrequent outbreaks, or if you and your sexual partner both have genital herpes.

      Daily (suppressive) use of oral antivirals may be more appropriate if you have numerous or severe outbreaks, are sexually active with uninfected partners, or when one partner has oral herpes (HSV-1) and the other has genital herpes (HSV-2), states Mayo Clinic experts.

    • 3

      Help herpes sores heal through simple lifestyle adjustments and home treatments. Mayo Clinic experts advise wearing cotton underwear and loose, comfortable clothing when genital herpes sores are present. Take a couple of baths daily, sprinkling cornstarch on the afflicted area while in the tub. Apply a damp black tea bag, ice pack or other cool compress.

    Oral Herpes Sores

    • 4

      Simply let the sore heal on its own accord, offers the Mayo Clinic. Don't pick at the blisters or pop them. Most cases of oral herpes--also known as fever blisters and cold sores--heal within seven to 10 days.

    • 5

      Apply docosanol topical cream to oral herpes lesions. The American Social Health Association notes that this over-the-counter product is the only one approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration to help oral herpes heal quicker.

    • 6

      See your doctor about obtaining a prescription for oral antivirals (the same ones used to treat genital herpes) if you experience numerous or severe outbreaks of oral herpes sores. ASHA notes that there are also topical antivirals that may be applied to the lesions as well.

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