Treatment and Prevention
There is no known cure for cold sores. Most people don't need treatment,
since they go away on their own, but some medications may be helpful. There
are several cold sore remedies that are available without a prescription. These
products are usually liquids, ointments, gels, or balms. They can contain lip
moisturizers and protectants or anesthetics that help to reduce the pain of
cold sores and prevent cracking and excessive drying of the lips. Although these
products may help in relieving some symptoms, they do not make the cold sore
heal more quickly.
Some prescription medications are available to treat cold sores include:
- Acyclovir*, an anti-viral medication, can be applied in an ointment form
to the cold sore four to five times daily. However, the medication in this
form does not help the cold sore heal any faster.
- Acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famcyclovir medication can be taken orally to
prevent the development of a cold sore. These medications can be helpful if
they are started within one hour of when the symptoms start, or if taken to
prevent cold sores when exposure to the triggers are known (e.g., sunlight).
In these cases, these medications can shorten the amount of time it takes
for a cold sore to heal by one to two days.
- Acetaminophen or ibuprofen are usually sufficient to treat any pain that
may be associated with cold sores. Cool liquids or ice packs applied to the
sore can also ease pain.
If possible, try to limit exposure to the triggers described in "Causes."
For example, if sunlight tends to give you cold sores, apply a sunscreen with
an SPF of 30 or higher to your lips and face 30 minutes before going out into
the sun. You should also avoid tanning beds. Reducing stress by eating properly
and getting enough sleep, exercise, and relaxation can also help prevent cold
sores.
If you experience frequent, severe cold sores or have a weak immune system,
oral medication may be prescribed by your doctor on a continuous basis to suppress
the virus.
To keep from getting infected with the cold sore virus, it's important to avoid
contact with it. Never touch active lesions in other people (through kissing
or oral sex).
When cold sores are active, wash hands frequently to avoid passing the virus
on to others. Try to keep away from newborns or people who have weakened immune
systems, since they are more susceptible to severe cold sores.
*All medications have both common (generic) and brand names. The brand name
is what a specific manufacturer calls the product (e.g., Tylenol®).
The common name is the medical name for the medication (e.g., acetaminophen).
A medication may have many brand names, but only one common name. This article
lists medications by their common names. For more information on brand names,
speak with your doctor or pharmacist.