How to Get Rid of Herpes Type 1 Sores on the Lips

Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) produces sores around the mouth and on the lips during flare-ups, which are usually triggered by harsh weather, stress, a cold or hormones. These sores are also known as cold sores. HSV-1 creates a painful blister that infects skin cells around the sore, and can be highly contagious during the active, shedding stage. Lip sores require a combination of topical cream and anti-viral pills in order to remove physical signs of the virus. Topical creams that contain acyclovir, docosanol or penciclovir are often prescribed for your lips sores, as well as prescription anti-viral pills, according to Terri Warren, author of "The Good News About the Bad News." Home remedies for treating HSV-1 include applying ice packs to the lip sore to relieve pain and keeping the area dry, which allows it to heal.

Things You'll Need

• Cold compress
• Topical lidocaine

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Instructions

• 1

  Apply topical cream daily. According to "The Good News About the Bad News," applying a topical cream to your lip sore four to five times daily can reduce the healing time by a day or two. You can find topical creams at most drug stores.

• 2

  Use anti-viral pills as directed. Your doctor may prescribe pills to get rid of the sore and keep the virus from flaring up in the future. This medication should be used as directed in order to manage your outbreaks.

• 3

  Apply ice packs. A cold compress reduces the pain that often occurs with lip sores. Wrap the ice pack in a thin cloth to avoid direct contact with the skin, as the extreme temperature can irritate the lip.

• 4

  Avoid touching your lip sore. Your fingers carry bacteria, which can exacerbate the sore if you touch or pick at it. Drying out the sore helps it heal, so be sure to keep the sore clean and dry.

• 5

  Avoiding drinking hot beverages. Extremely hot liquids can worsen the lip sore, and possibly cause infection.