Tingling, itching, tenderness, pain, or burning before the sore is visible. Pain is usually most severe at onset but should improve after 4 or 5 days. Blisters. The blisters are most common along the edge of your lips, but may also be present on your nose or cheeks. Small children may also get them in their mouths. The blisters break open and ooze liquid, then form a crust. The blisters usually heal within two weeks but it may take as long as a month.

Fever Headache Enlarged lymph glands Sore throat Gum pain Muscle pain

Your immune system is suppressed. This may be the case for people with HIV/AIDS, who are undergoing cancer treatments, have severe burns, eczema, or are taking anti-rejection drugs after an organ transplant. [5] X Research source Your eyes are irritated or infected. The cold sores recur frequently, do not heal in two weeks, or are very severe.

Do not rub because you don’t want to irritate it or spread fluids to other areas.

Lysine. [7] X Research source This is an amino acid which can be purchased as an oral supplement or a cream. This can be taken as a preventative measure — try 500–3,000 mg/day. Begin treatment as soon as you suspect an outbreak. [8] X Expert Source Andrea Rudominer, MD, MPHBoard Certified Pediatrician & Integrative Medicine Doctor Expert Interview. 13 April 2020. Propolis. This is also referred to as synthetic beeswax. It comes in the form of an ointment and is said to reduce the length of the breakout. Rhubarb and sage.

Relaxation techniques including meditation, deep breathing, visualizing calming images, yoga, or tai chi. Exercise. Doing 15 to 30 minutes a day of exercise will make you feel better physically and emotionally. Your body releases endorphins when you exercise which help to relax you and lift your mood. Get social support. This could mean staying connected with friends or family or seeing a counselor.

Consult a doctor before using this medication if you are pregnant, nursing, or treating a child. You might also try medicated Blistex to soothe your cold sore. Apply an SPF to your cold sore while you’re outside to protect your skin.

Acyclovir 5% is a cream you apply to the cold sore 5 times a day for 4 days. Penciclovir 1% is a cream you dab on your cold sore every 2 hours for 4 days.

The gel inside is called hydrocolloid. If it is your first time using this product, be sure to read the instructions in the packaging.

Lidocaine Benzocaine

Ibuprofen is not recommended for people with asthma or stomach ulcers. Children and teenagers should never take medicines containing aspirin. Consult your doctor before taking any medications if you are pregnant or nursing.

Acyclovir (Xerese, Zovirax). [17] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source This is usually prescribed at a dose of 400 mg three times per day or 200 mg fives times per day for 10 days. Famciclovir (Famvir). [18] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source You will take 500 mg three times daily for seven to 10 days Penciclovir (Denavir). [19] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source This comes in a 1% cream and is applied to affected lips and face. Valacyclovir (Valtrex). For the initial episode, use 1 g twice daily for 10 days. For recurrence, use 500 mg twice daily for three days. For a decrease in viral transmission, use 500 mg once daily.

Not touching or picking the sores. Covering them may help. Not sharing eating utensils, razors, or towels with others, particularly when the blisters are present. Not kissing or engaging in oral sex when the blisters are present. This is when the virus is most easily spread.

Babies People undergoing cancer treatments People with HIV/AIDS People on anti-rejection drugs after an organ transplant Pregnant women

Put sunscreen on the area where outbreaks occur. The SPF should be at least 15. Apply lip balm that contains a sunscreen to prevent dry, sunburned, or chapped lips.