Docosanol (Abreva), which is FDA-approved and available over-the-counter. Topical Acyclovir (Zovirax) and Penciclovir (Denavir), which may be prescribed to you by your doctor. Creams with 1% topical ointment of lemon balm oil or 0. 5% aloe vera extract, which may help a cold sore heal when you first notice it. [2] X Expert Source Andrea Rudominer, MD, MPHBoard Certified Pediatrician & Integrative Medicine Doctor Expert Interview. 6 May 2020. 5 drops of eucalyptus essential oil, 3 drops of bergamot, and 2 drops of tea tree essential oil in 1 ounce of a carrier oil work well for cold sores as well. [3] X Expert Source Andrea Rudominer, MD, MPHBoard Certified Pediatrician & Integrative Medicine Doctor Expert Interview. 6 May 2020.
Avoid using ibuprofen if you have asthma or stomach ulcers.
Talk to your doctor before taking lysine if you have cardiovascular or gallbladder disease since it may have adverse effects.
Start Acyclovir (Xerese, Zovirax) before cold sores fully flare up. Take it 5 times a day for 5 days. Take Valacyclovir (Valtrex) at the first sign of a cold sore and then 12 hours later. Famciclovir (Famvir) can be given as a single dose of medicine.
Avoid touching your cold sore directly with your hands so you don’t accidentally spread the virus. Only dab the aloe gel onto the sore. If you rub it in, you could irritate your skin.
You can instead wet the towel with warm water to treat pain from cold sore blisters.
While this doesn’t necessarily make your cold sore heal faster, it will make it a lot easier to live with while it goes away.
If you do overexpose your lips to the sun, try to ice them as soon as possible for several minutes.
Avoid sharing lipstick, lip balm, lip gloss, or other lip products. Oral sex, especially during an outbreak, can transmit the herpes virus from lips to the genitals or vice versa.
Menses and pregnancy can cause a cold sore to act up.
Drink white and green tea since they’re rich in antioxidants that strengthen your immune system and cleanse your body of toxins. Stay hydrated throughout the day by drinking water whenever you’re thirsty. Try to sleep for at least 8 hours each night so your body has time to recover.
You may get fevers and other cold and flu symptoms when you get cold sores.
Cold sores form as the virus reproduces and damages your skin. The herpes virus hides in nerve cells between outbreaks so it can never be fully cured. Once your skin turns itchy and red, the virus is present and you can spread it. You’re most contagious when you have blisters, especially just after they burst. You can’t spread the virus skin-to-skin once they’ve healed. However, you can pass it through your saliva at any time.
