And without treatment, cold sores can take up to 10 days to disappear.
Instead, the available treatment options can help to heal cold sores faster and ease symptoms.
Fortunately, various treatment choices are available in the United States to help manage cold sores.
Getty Images / Kuzenkova Yuliya
Options include natural remedies, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, and prescription drugs.
Getty Images / Kuzenkova Yuliya
What Are Cold Sores?
Cold sores, also known as oral herpes, are a common condition triggered by a viral infection.
Cold sores appear as fluid-filled blisters around your mouth, often grouped in patches.
After some time, these blisters break, forming scabs that can last for several days to weeks.
While most cold sores heal after a few weeks, some can leave scars.
Cold sores are caused byherpes simplex virus (HSV).
They are transmitted by person-to-person contact through kissing, intimacy, and oral sex.
To prevent transmission, avoid these activities when a cold sore is on you or your partner.
How to Treat Cold Sores
Cold sores are very common.
The World Health Organization estimates 3.7 billion people under age 50 have global cold sores triggered by HSV-1.
Home Remedies
Home remedies can help relieve discomfort associated with cold sores.
Some examples of home remedies include using protective lip balms, applying warm compresses, and icing the area.
Alternative remedies for treating cold sores includealoe vera,tea treeandpeppermintoils, andlysine.
Pharmaceutical Options
Pharmaceutical treatments are available OTC and by prescription (Rx).
Rx treatments require a consultation with a healthcare provider.
Also, antiviral medications do not prevent you from being contagious.
When cold sores are present, you’re able to still transmit HSV to others during antiviral treatment.
You should also consult a healthcare provider if you haveeczemaand get a cold sore.
If an HSV infection spreads to the open skin of eczema patches, an eczema herpeticum can occur.
Early treatment with antiviral medications can prevent this infection from worsening, so seeking medical care is essential.
Because of their less-developed immune systems, children and infants with eczema are particularly susceptible to this infection.
Summary
Cold sores are a common symptom of the HSV-1 virus.
It is transmitted through oral contact or kissing.
OTC and prescription medications are available to treat cold sores.
Some people find relief with home remedies, alternative therapies, or a combination of approaches.
Correction - September 8, 2023: This article was updated to include lysine as an alternative therapy.
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Cliffe A, Chang L, Colgrove R, Knipe DM.Herpes simplex virus.Biomedical Sciences.
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American Academy of Dermatology Association.Cold sores: who gets and causes.
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DailyMed.Label: Abreva- docosanol cream.
DailyMed.Label: Sitavig- acyclovir tablet, delayed release.
DailyMed.Label: famciclovir tablet, film coated.
DailyMed.Label: Valtrex- valacyclovir hydrochloride tablet, film coated.
DailyMed.Label: Zovirax- acyclovir cream.
