Cold Sore Treatment: Fast Relief & Prevention - Expert Advice

Cold sores are small lesions that can form around the lips and occasionally elsewhere on the face. They are common in both children and adults. While a person may experience discomfort from a cold sore, it does not normally pose a medical risk. The Herpes simplex virus causes these fluid-filled bumps. An infected individual may not show symptoms of the cold sore for up to 20 days after exposure to the virus, though some people feel a tingle or burning around their lips even before the cold sore is visible.

Things You'll Need

• Over-the-counter ointment
• Pain relief medication
• Cold compress or ice pack

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  There are several products on the market that can speed up the healing process of a cold sore.

  Apply an over-the-counter cold sore treatment, following package directions, when you feel a cold sore coming on. This will help your cold sore to heal quickly and, according to the American Dental Association, it may provide temporary pain relief.

• 2

  Aspirin can take some of the sting out of a cold sore.

  Take aspirin or another pain reliever if the pain is severe. This may provide the relief needed to get through the day.

• 3

  Place a cold compress or ice pack on the cold sore. Regularly treating the bump with cold will help to naturally reduce pain and swelling.