How to Speed Healing of Cold Sores

Cold sores are small blisters that form in and around your mouth. They are also called fever blisters but fevers or colds do not cause them. Cold sores are usually caused by the herpes virus (HSV). The Mayo Clinic estimates that nearly 50% of children entering kindergarten and 90% of adults have been infected with HSV. Cold sores are contagious and there is no cure for them, but several treatments will expedite healing and treat the blisters.

Things You'll Need

• Rubbing alcohol
• Cotton ball
• Topical antiviral cream
• Oral medication
• Pain reliever
• Ice pack

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Instructions

• 1

  Visit your doctor to determine the underlying cause of your cold sores. Your doctor will examine the cold sore, take tests and determine the best medication for you. Tell your doctor if your cold sores have any triggers, how long the sores last and how frequently they occur. These factors will help your doctor determine the appropriate medication.

• 2

  Soak a cotton ball in alcohol and press it onto the emerging blister. Alcohol will help dry the area. This works best on cold sores in their early stages. Repeat several times each day.

• 3

  Apply topical antiviral medication as prescribed by your doctor. These creams will help to soften the crust of the cold sore, ease the pain and accelerate healing.

• 4

  Take the oral medication as directed. You should take most oral medications 24 to 48 hours prior to an outbreak in order to prevent or lessen the symptoms.

• 5

  Apply an ice pack for up to 10 minutes several times each day. The ice will help to ease the pain and and reduce inflammation.

• 6

  Take an over-the-counter pain reliever to alleviate the cold sore pain. Follow the manufacturer's dosage instructions.

• 7

  Avoid touching, picking or squeezing the cold sore. Allow the sore to heal without interference. Most blisters heal on their own in about two weeks.