Cold Sore Cures and Prevention

Cold sores, sometimes called fever blisters, are small, fluid-filled blisters that typically appear on the lips and outer portion of the mouth. In some cases, they may also appear on the cheeks, chin or inside the nostrils. These tingling, sometimes painful, red blisters are a common occurrence in people diagnosed with the herpes simplex virus. Cold sores usually last seven to 10 days, and may take up to 20 days to appear after you've been exposed to the herpes simplex virus, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Cures and Treatment

• Because there is no cure for the herpes simplex virus, there is no way to cure or totally prevent cold sore outbreaks. Cold sores usually heal on their own within seven to 10 days; however, a doctor may prescribe a topical antiviral medication to help decrease pain, hasten recovery and relieve symptoms.

  Antiviral medications typically prescribed for cold sores include acyclovir cream and ointment (Zovirax), penciclovir cream (Denavir), valacyclovir (Valtrex), famciclovir (Famvir), and docosanol (Abreva). According to the National Library of Medicine, self-care and over-the-counter medications can also help with cold sore pain.

  Hold an ice pack or cold compress over the cold sore for about 10 minutes, several times a day, to relieve pain and tingling. You may also take aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain and fever associated with the cold sore. Cold sore treatments will only minimize your pain. They cannot cure a cold sore or prevent future outbreaks.

  Cold sores will go through five different stages before clearing up. These stages include: the tingling stage (lasting one to two days), the blister stage (lasting two days), the weeping/ulcer stage (lasting one day), the scabbing stage (lasting two to three days), and finally, the healing stage. Cold sores typically leave no scar once they've healed.

Prevention

• If you currently do not have cold sores, there are a few ways that you can prevent them. Avoid all sexual contact with people who have the herpes simplex virus. Also, avoid sexual and skin-to-skin contact with a person who has a cold sore. Don't share items such as eating utensils, rags, razors, and lip balm, because a cold sore is easily spread through anything that comes into contact with it.

  People who currently have cold sores must take proper precautions to ensure that they do not infect others or spread the sores to other parts of their body, says the National Library of Medicine. Avoid kissing people when you have an active cold sore. Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching another person, use sunblock on your face and lips, and be cautious when touching any part of your body after you've touched your cold sore. The Mayo Clinic warns that "your eyes and genital area may be particularly susceptible to spread of the virus."

  Finally, avoiding possible triggers can help prevent cold sore outbreaks. Avoid stressful situations, injury or trauma to the lips or mouth, fatigue, and prolonged exposure to the sun and cold. Cold and flu, fever, and improper diet can also trigger a cold sore outbreak.