Key takeaways

  • Cold sores ( also known as fever blisters) usually form on or around the lips and are caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). They often clear within about 10 days.
  • Treat cold sores early when you feel early symptoms such as tingling, since starting fast may reduce how long they last. Options include over-the-counter docosanol and prescription antivirals like acyclovir or valacyclovir.
  • Avoid touching or popping sores, skip kissing and oral sex during an outbreak, and see a doctor if sores last over 2 weeks or are severe.

Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, tend to develop on the lip or around the mouth. They are caused by a virus and are contagious.

Cold sores typically clear up within 10 days in people with healthy immune systems and no other underlying health conditions.

Keep reading to learn how to help a cold sore go away faster and when to see a doctor.

The single most important step is starting treatment as early as possible.

Many people notice warning signs before a blister forms, such as:

  • tingling
  • itching
  • burning
  • tightness around the lips

Beginning treatment at this early stage may help limit the size of the sore and shorten healing time.

Over-the-counter treatments

An OTC antiviral cream is often the easiest place to start.

  • Docosanol (Abreva): This is the only FDA-approved OTC antiviral for cold sores. Apply it at the first sign of tingling and continue as directed until the sore heals.

Other supportive options include:

  • lip balms with sunscreen to protect healing skin from UV exposure
  • cold compresses to reduce swelling and discomfort

Prescription options

As well as OTC treatments, you can talk with a doctor about prescription medications, such as:

These medications work best when taken as close as possible to symptom onset and may help:

  • shorten healing time
  • reduce pain
  • lower the risk of spreading the virus

Some people who experience frequent outbreaks may benefit from having antivirals on hand so they can start treatment immediately when they start to feel symptoms.

Certain habits can slow healing or spread the virus.

Try to avoid:

  • touching the sore: Anytime you touch the open blister and don’t wash your hands immediately afterward, you risk the virus spreading from your hands to someone else. Also, you could introduce bacteria from your hands into the sore if you poke or prod at it.
  • popping or squeezing: A cold sore isn’t a pimple. Squeezing or trying to pop it won’t make it smaller. You may just squeeze viral fluid out and onto your skin, and the virus may unintentionally spread to someone else.
  • picking at the scab: You may find yourself picking at it without even realizing you’re doing it. But try to keep your hands off it as much as you can. The scab will last a few days and then disappear on its own. If you pick at it, it might increase the chance of a scar.
  • scrubbing the skin: Vigorous scrubbing does not help a cold sore and may irritate already fragile skin. Wash it gently and hold off on any abrasive skin treatments for the time being.
  • oral sex during an outbreak: While you have a cold sore blister, it’s best to avoid intimate contact with partners that involves your mouth. Wait until it clears up before you resume sexual activity.
  • acidic or spicy foods: Foods high in acid, like citrus fruit and tomatoes, can cause a burning sensation when coming into contact with a cold sore. You might want to avoid acidic foods and opt for blander foods for a few days.

Most cold sores don’t require medical care. However, check in with a healthcare professional if:

  • the sore hasn’t started to heal in 10 days
  • you have frequent outbreaks (several times per year)
  • the pain is severe
  • sores spread to other parts of the body
  • blisters appear near or in the eyes

If you have eczema and develop painful blisters on areas of broken skin, seek urgent care. HSV-1 can cause eczema herpeticum, a potentially serious complication.

You’re unlikely to be able clear up a cold sore overnight. However certain medications and treatments can shorten its life span and help you feel better, too.

This works better the earlier you start treating it.

When your cold sore begins to crust over and form a scab, you can apply a moisturizer to help speed up the healing process.

Once your cold sore scabs over, it’s best to just leave it alone. A scab means the cold sore is healing and should fall off on its own once it’s ready.

Avoid popping or picking at cold sores. Doing so increases the risk of infection, scarring, and spreading the virus to other areas.

Cold sores are common and usually harmless, but they can be painful and inconvenient. While there’s no cure, early treatment is the best way to get rid of a cold sore fast.

Using antiviral medications, avoiding irritation, and letting the sore heal naturally can help reduce symptoms and prevent spreading the virus.

If your cold sores are frequent, severe, or slow to heal, a doctor can help you find a more effective treatment plan.