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How Long Does It Take for a Cold Sore to Heal?

Cold sores (also called fever blisters, oral herpes or herpes labialis) are extremely common in the U.S., according to the American Social Health Association. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex 1 virus (HSV-1), which lingers in the ganglion closest to the top of the spine after an initial outbreak and reactivates in response to certain triggers--and sometimes for no reason at all. There is no cure for the virus that causes cold sores, but there are ways to help them heal faster.

  1. About Cold Sores

    • Between 50 and 80 percent of the population are infected with HSV-1. According to a study conducted at the University of Utah School of Medicine published by Hull, Spruance, et al., in the September 2006 issue of Current Medical Research and Opinion, around 20 to 40 percent of people experience recurrent cold sores. Some triggers that can cause HSV-1 to reactivate are fever, menstruation, stress or sun exposure.

    How Long They Last

    • If left alone, most cold sores heal on their own in seven to 10 days, says the Mayo Clinic. One to two days before watery blisters erupt on or near the lips or mouth, you may experience a painful or tingling sensation on the skin. Blisters eventually rupture, scab over and heal without scarring. The Mayo Clinic notes that certain groups of people are at risk for more-severe cold-sore infections, including small children, those who've had an organ transplant and patients with eczema, cancer, AIDS or suppressed immune systems.

    Drugstore Treatments

    • There are over-the-counter topical balms, creams and ointments with numbing properties that can temporarily relieve pain associated with cold sores. However, ASHA notes that only one drugstore treatment, Abreva (docosanol), is approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration to heal cold sores faster. A study published by Leung and Sachs in the December 2004 issue of Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy conducted by the Wake Forest University School of Medicine indicated that use of 10 percent docosanol cream healed herpes labialis faster when used within 12 hours of the onset of symptoms.

    Prescription Treatments

    • ASHA indicates that prescription oral and topical antiviral medications also help cold sores heal faster. The Utah School of Medicine study cited above indicated that a single dose of oral antiviral, famciclovir, proved it to be as effective as a single-day, (twice-daily) treatment with the drug. The study concluded that single-dose therapy may lead to "better overall management" in those with recurrent cold sore outbreaks.

    When Cold Sores Don't Heal

    • The Mayo Clinic advises you to see your doctor if cold sores don't resolve on their own within one to two weeks. Also, consult your physician if you have a health condition that weakens your immune system, if you experience frequent or severe outbreaks, or if blisters erupt near the eye area.

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