If you’ve ever had a cold sore, you know the signs. It starts with tingling or burning around the edge of your lip or corner of your mouth. Then comes the outbreak: A red sore appears. A few days later, it breaks open and crusts over. It usually goes away within one to two weeks.
Cold sores, or fever blisters, are caused by a virus and have no cure. When you see the first signs, you want to get it treated right away.
But you probably don’t need a doctor. You can try a few things at home to soothe the pain and discomfort, such as a cold compress, aloe vera, or pain medication.
Causes of Cold Sores
Cold sores are caused by a common virus called herpes simplex. Most people get exposed to the virus when they’re babies or children. Although there’s no cure for it, you can treat it.
Once you’ve been exposed to the virus, it’s always in your system, even if it doesn’t often cause cold sores or other symptoms. Knowing what causes cold sores can help you prevent the spread.
Herpes simplex is spread by close contact. If you kiss someone with a cold sore or touch their face and then your own, you can catch the virus. You can also catch the virus by sharing personal items with someone who has herpes simplex, such as:
- Lip balm
- Forks or other utensils
- Mugs or plates
- Razors or towels
You’re most likely to get the virus from someone who has an active cold sore, but it’s also possible to get it from someone who doesn’t have a visible sore or blister.
The virus can also spread to your eyes or genitals. For example, you can get it from rubbing your eyes after you get saliva from an infected person on your hands, or from receiving oral sex from someone who has cold sores.
When you’re first exposed to the virus, you’re likely to get a cold sore. After a week or two, it’ll go away on its own. Then the virus goes dormant in your body. You may never have another cold sore outbreak again, but many people do.
Some things that make an outbreak more likely are:
- A cold or other illness
- A fever
- Stress
- Too much sun
- Your period
How to Treat Cold Sores
There are many things you can do at home to soothe the sting of a cold sore, such as:
Prescription drugs. Because cold sores are caused by a virus, your doctor may suggest an antiviral medication to help you heal more quickly. The antivirals used to treat cold sores include acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir), penciclovir (Denavir), and valacyclovir (Valtrex).
Pain relievers. When a cold sore really stings, you may get some relief from an over-the-counter painkiller such as acetaminophen.
Over-the-counter creams. You can also buy products at the drugstore that can help ease the pain of a cold sore or keep the skin soft while it heals.
Are Some Natural and Alternative Topical Treatments?
There are also some natural home remedies you can try. But keep in mind, just because something is “natural” doesn’t mean it’s safe. Always ask your doctor before trying natural or alternative treatments.
Ice. Applying a cold compress to the sore can help numb the pain. But don’t put ice directly on your skin, as that could damage it.
Sunscreen. Getting a sunburn may trigger a cold sore. Using sunscreen when you’re out in the sun may prevent it.
Aloe vera gel. The same gel used for a sunburn may help a cold sore to heal. Some studies show that the gel may help fight viruses, including herpes simplex.
Lysine. This supplement may help treat cold sores. It comes in the form of a cream or capsule.
Propolis. This is a resin-like material made by bees from the buds of poplar and cone-bearing trees. It may be used like an ointment to treat cold sores.
Lemon balm. Some research has shown that lemon balm extract can help cold sores get better, too.
Rhubarb and sage. There’s some evidence that a topical rhubarb-sage treatment could be as effective as topical aciclovir cream.
Manuka honey. Medical-grade manuka honey may work as a topical medication to treat your cold sores, according to some studies.
Tea tree oil and peppermint oil. Some research has shown that tea tree oil helps a cold sore heal more quickly. Other research shows peppermint oil may help fight the virus that causes cold sores. With essential oils, always dilute the oil with a carrier oil (like olive oil or coconut oil) so it’s less likely to irritate your skin.
Vitamins C and E. Both of these vitamins have been shown to fight cold sores. Studies have shown that vitamin C can inactivate the herpes simplex virus, the virus that causes cold sores. Other research has shown that vitamin E can help heal cold sores.
Stress reduction. Taking steps to lower your stress levels may also help ward off cold sores. Try meditation or deep breathing exercises.
What Not to Do With Cold Sores (and How to Prevent Reinfection)
Certain habits or behaviors could trigger a cold sore outbreak or make new cold sores appear elsewhere on your body.
Avoid triggers. This means that if you know a hot, sunny day at the beach or a lot of stress makes you break out in cold sores, try to avoid those situations when you can. You may be able to stop it in its tracks or at least keep it from getting worse.
Don’t touch. If you pick at your cold sore, you may spread the virus to another part of your body. That will just make your outbreak worse. Keep your hands away from your mouth, and wash your hands often, especially when you touch your face.
Don’t pop sores. The virus is most likely to spread after a cold sore appears and before it heals. Popping the sores may spread the virus to other parts of your body.
Don’t give or receive oral sex. When you have a cold sore, you can spread it to other parts of the body, including the genitals.
Takeaways
Cold sores, or fever blisters, are caused by a virus called herpes simplex. There’s no cure for cold sores, but there are plenty of treatments and remedies. When trying natural or alternative treatments for cold sores, it’s always safest to run them by your doctor first. That way, they can guide you on what may work and what to skip.
Treating Cold Sores at Home FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions about treating cold sores at home.
How do I know if it’s a cold sore or something else?
Cold sores usually start as a painful, itchy, or tingly spot that turns into a blister. Angular cheilitis is a cracked, dry patch that starts in the corner of your mouth and turns into a sore. You may confuse another common condition, canker sores, with cold sores. A canker sore is another painful sore, but these only show up inside your mouth.
How contagious is a cold sore, and when is it most contagious?
Cold sores are extremely contagious. They’re most contagious in the first 24 hours. But keep in mind that cold sores can still spread before they appear and for more than 24 hours after they first show up.
Should I avoid certain foods or drinks when I have a cold sore?
You may want to steer clear of salty or acidic foods, especially if they hurt your cold sore.
Do cold sores leave scars?
Usually, cold sores don’t leave scars.
Is it safe to use makeup or lip products over a cold sore?
Always ask your doctor before applying lip products or other makeup over your healed cold sore.
