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Key Points
- Cold sores, or fever blisters, are small painful blisters that occur around the lips due to the herpes simplex virus.
- Symptoms usually begin with a burning or tingling sensation, followed by the appearance of the blisters.
- Various home remedies can help alleviate symptoms and hasten the healing process, including over-the-counter antiviral medications, natural supplements, and stress management techniques.
- To prevent cold sores, avoid direct contact with infected individuals, refrain from sharing personal items, and manage stress effectively.
- If a cold sore persists for over two weeks, causes severe pain, spreads to other body parts, or if you have a weak immune system, it's important to seek medical help.
Do you have a burning or tingling sensation on your lip, you could be dealing with the start of a cold sore. Cold sores (also known as “fever blisters”) are small blisters that appear on or around the lips. The Mayo Clinic notes that they are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which is highly contagious and can be easily transmitted through direct contact with an infected person or by sharing personal items such as towels, razors, or utensils.
Symptoms of a Cold Sore
The symptoms of cold sores usually start with a tingling or burning sensation, followed by the appearance of small blisters, according to WebMD. They go on to explain that these blisters may be quite painful and can take a couple of weeks to heal. In some cases, cold sores can also cause fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes.
Home Remedies for Cold Sores
Most cold sores can be treated at home, using over-the-counter medications or home remedies. While home remedies will usually not cure the cold sore (according to WebMD), they can help ease symptoms and speed up the healing process. Here are some popular home remedies that you can try:
1. Over-the-Counter Antiviral Medications
There are a few over-the-counter (OTC) antiviral medications that specifically treat cold sores, according to WebMD. Abreva is a popular brand name for an OTC cold sore medication, according to Healthline. They also note that medications like Abreva claim to cure cold sores in as little as a few days, making them a popular choice for quick healing.
2. Lysine
Lysine is an amino acid that can help prevent cold sore outbreaks, according to studies noted by Healthline. They recommend that you take lysine supplements or eat lysine-rich foods such as fish, chicken, and dairy products.
3. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a mint-related herb that may have antiviral properties and can help reduce the duration and severity of cold sores, according to Healthline. They say you can take a lemon balm capsule, apply a lemon balm gel, or use other homeopathic products that contain lemon balm like St. John’s Wort, lavender, licorice, and Siberian ginseng.
4. Ice
Applying ice to the cold sore can help reduce pain and swelling, according to WebMD. They recommend wrapping an ice cube in a cloth and applying it to the affected area for a few minutes at a time.
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera may have anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce pain and swelling associated with cold sores, according to Healthline. They say that you can apply aloe vera gel directly to the cold sore a few times a day.
6. Sunscreen
Sunburns may be a trigger for cold sores, according to Healthline. They note that sunscreen not only protects your lips while your cold sore heals, but can also reduce future flare-ups.
7. Manage Stress
Stress is another major trigger for cold sores, according to Healthline. Managing stress through techniques such as meditation, exercise, and deep breathing can help reduce the frequency of cold sore outbreaks. Healthline recommends adding 10 to 30 minutes of anti-stress techniques to your daily routine.
8. Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen
Taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and fever associated with cold sores, according to Healthline. You should take these medications as directed on the label to avoid overuse.
9. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar may have antiviral properties and may help reduce the duration and severity of cold sores, according to WebMD. They note that you can apply apple cider vinegar directly to the cold sore using a cotton swab.
10. Essential Oils
Some essential oils may have antiviral properties and may help reduce the duration and severity of cold sores, according to Healthline. They note that you should always dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil if you decide to try one. Here is a list of essential oils that they recommend:
- Rosemary essential oil
- Peppermint oil
- Tea tree oil
- Clove essential oil
- Cinnamon essential oil
- Basil essential oil
- Ginger essential oil
- Thyme essential oil
- Hyssop essential oil
- Sandalwood essential oil
11. Kanuka Honey
Kanuka honey may also have antiviral properties that can help with a cold sore, according to Healthline. They note that you can apply kanuka honey directly to the cold sore using a cotton swab.
12. Rhubarb and Sage
The Mayo Clinic notes that a cream combining rhubarb and sage may have similar effectiveness as some over-the-counter antiviral medications.
What not to do for a Cold Sore
Healthline offers several tips on what to avoid when you’re dealing with a cold sore, including:
- Touch an open sore or pick at the scab (this may introduce bacteria that can cause infection or spread the virus to other parts of your body)
- Attempt to pop the sore
- Aggressively scrub your sore
- Perform oral sex (this can spread the virus to your partner and cause genital herpes)
- Eat acidic food or salty foods (this can cause you to experience more irritation and pain)
How to Prevent Cold Sores
Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus and can be triggered by stress, illness, or exposure to sunlight, according to the Cleveland Clinic. While there is no cure for cold sores, there are steps you can take to prevent catching the virus in the first place or help prevent a flare-up.
The Cleveland Clinic notes the following recommendations to avoid being exposed to the herpes simplex virus:
- Avoid kissing and oral sex with someone who has a cold sore or genital herpes
- Don’t share towels, razors, dishes, cutlery, straws, lip balm or lipstick
- Wash your hands before touching your lips, eyes, or genitals
If you’ve already experienced a cold sore, the Cleveland Clinic recommends the following to reduce your chances of an outbreak:
- Take steps to stay healthy
- Get enough rest (fatigue weakens your immune system and makes you more likely to get sick)
- Wear lip balm with SPF
- Manage your stress levels
When to See a Doctor for a Cold Sore
Most of the time, cold sores go away on their own within a couple of weeks, according to Healthline. They note that if you experience any of the following, you should see a doctor:
- A cold sore that lasts more than two weeks
- Severe pain
- Numerous cold sores
- Sores near your eyes
- Sores that have spread to other parts of your body
Additionally, the Mayo Clinic notes that you should see a doctor if:
- You have a weak immune system.
- The cold sores don't heal within two weeks.
- Symptoms are severe.
- The cold sores often return.
- You have gritty or painful eyes.
Summary of How to Take Care of Cold Sores
Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (the same virus that causes genital herpes), and appear as blister-like sores on the lips. They can spread easily so it’s important to protect yourself by not sharing personal items and avoiding contact with someone with an active cold sore. You can manage your cold sore outbreaks by:
- Staying healthy and well-rested
- Managing your stress
- Wearing lip balm with SPF
If you do have a cold sore there are several ways you can reduce the symptoms, including:
- Over-the-counter antiviral medications (like Abreva)
- Lysine
- Lemon balm
- Ice or cold compress
- Aloe vera
- Ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- Apple cider vinegar
- Essential oils (like tea tree oil)
- Homeopathic cream that contains rhubarb and Sage
Frequently asked questions
What causes cold sores?
Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus.What are the initial symptoms of a cold sore?
The initial symptoms of a cold sore are usually a tingling or burning sensation, followed by the appearance of blisters.What home remedies can help manage cold sore symptoms?
Home remedies for cold sores include over-the-counter antiviral medications, lysine supplements, lemon balm, ice, aloe vera, sunscreen, stress management techniques, ibuprofen or acetaminophen, apple cider vinegar, essential oils, kanuka honey, and a cream combining rhubarb and sage.How can I prevent getting cold sores?
You can prevent getting cold sores by avoiding direct contact with an infected person, not sharing personal items, and managing your stress levels.When should I seek medical attention for a cold sore?
You should seek medical attention if a cold sore lasts more than two weeks, causes severe pain, spreads to other parts of the body, or if you have a weak immune system.
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