Prescription and over-the-counter treatments can help a cold sore heal. Treating it early may also help it go away faster.

Cold sores, or fever blisters, tend to develop on the lip or around the mouth.

They are usually caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1, also known as HSV-1. The virus causes blisters or ulcers, which can be painful.

While there’s nothing to be embarrassed about if you notice one near your mouth, you may have to take certain precautions if you have an active cold sore, as the virus that causes them can be contagious.

HSV-1 is the most commonly recurring viral infection. More than half of all Americans between 14 and 49 have this virus.

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

Keep reading to learn how to help a cold sore go away faster and when to get medical attention.

One of the most important things to remember about treating a cold sore is: Don’t wait.

Start treating it right away, and you may be able to reduce the time you have it. When you notice that telltale tingle, go ahead and start applying a topical antiviral medication to the spot.

Where to start

Consider using an over-the-counter (OTC) antiviral ointment, such as docosanol (Abreva). Many people start with this common OTC option and use it until their cold sores have healed.

You can also try applying a cold compress to reduce swelling.

Prescription options

An OTC topical cream isn’t your only option. You can also try prescription antiviral medication. You can talk with a doctor to see if one of these might be a good option for you:

Experts strongly suggest taking or using these medications as early as you can to speed up the healing cycle.

While applying treatments may help quicken healing time, it may only be a slight increase.

A 2018 review found that topical acyclovir, penciclovir, or docosanol was only “marginally” more efficient at treating cold sores than a placebo, shortening participants’ pain duration by fewer than 24 hours.

If you’re interested in a complementary approach to healing a cold sore, you have several options.

However, there is insufficient data to support the routine use of these complementary therapies in treating cold sores. You should discuss them with your doctor before use, and they shouldn’t replace more conventional treatments.

Use caution when applying any new substances to your skin. Some of these treatments have been known to cause reactions like irritation and allergic contact dermatitis.

For example, it’s well-known that propolis, which is mentioned below, can cause allergic contact dermatitis in some individuals. Before using this treatment, it may be best to discuss it with your dermatologist first.

You may also want to test it on a small area of skin, such as the inner forearm, to see how you react before applying it elsewhere. This is called a patch test.

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar contains compounds that may reduce bacteria, viruses, and other germs. However, there isn’t any research on people that support this home remedy.

Full-strength apple cider vinegar is too intense to use directly on a cold sore and could irritate your skin. Be sure to dilute it before using it, and then apply it only once or twice daily.

Stop use immediately if you notice any irritation on your skin.

Essential oils

Studies have found that a variety of essential oils, concentrated oils containing plant compounds, may have inhibitory effects against the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores.

Although research is limited, a 2015 study found that a variety of essential oils may slow down or prevent viral replication of the herpes virus, helping heal and prevent cold sores.

According to that study and another older study from 2007, the following essential oils show antiviral effects against the herpes virus:

  • 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
  • Zataria multiflora essential oil
  • Eucalyptus caesia essential oil
  • Artemisia kermanensis essential oil

Much of the research on essential oils and HSV-1 is outdated. A 2001 study found that tea tree oil displays some antiviral effects that could help fight off the herpes simplex virus, while another lab study from 2003 shows that peppermint oil is effective in fighting off both the HSV-1 and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2).

A 2007 study suggests that ginger, thyme, hyssop, and sandalwood essential oils could even be effective treatments for drug-resistant versions of the virus.

Notably, these studies have limitations, and evidence may be anecdotal. Both studies used herpes cells from monkeys, not humans. Plus, they were conducted in vitro, which means in a test tube or culture dish.

More research is needed to confirm the extent of these oils’ antiviral effects on humans.

Do not apply undiluted essential oils to your skin. You’ll want to dilute any essential oils in a carrier oil before dabbing on your skin, and apply as soon as you feel the tingle of a developing cold sore.

While research suggests there are health benefits, the FDA doesn’t monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils. It’s important to talk with a healthcare professional before you begin using essential oils, and be sure to research the quality of a brand’s products. Always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil.

Kanuka honey

Honey already has a reputation for helping wounds and skin injuries heal, and a 2019 study found that kanuka honey, which comes from the manuka tree in New Zealand, may also be useful for treating cold sores.

The large randomized clinical trial found that a medical-grade version of this honey seemed to be as effective at treating cold sores as acyclovir.

Propolis

Like honey, propolis is another bee product that holds some promise for healing wounds and skin lesions.

According to a 2022 review of research, the antiviral properties of propolis may potentially help heal cold sores a little more quickly, . However, much of the research on propolis’ effectiveness on cold sores comes from test tube studies. More research is needed to determine if it would have the same effect in people.

Lemon balm

A 2020 test tube study suggests that applying an extract of lemon balm, an herb from the mint family, has an inhibitory effect against the HSV virus that causes cold sores. The study’s authors suggest that lemon balm could be used to treat HSV, but they note that more clinical trials are needed.

A 2020 case report found that applying a gel containing lemon balm, St. John’s Wort, lavender, licorice, and Siberian ginseng was an effective and rapid-acting alternative to OTC cold sore medications.

However, larger-scale studies are needed to determine the extent of this treatment’s therapeutic benefits.

Lysine

Per a 2017 review, studies suggest that people taking lysine were less likely to experience recurrences of cold sores. However, these studies have limits, and some of the evidence is contradictory.

For example, no optimal dose or even a particular type of lysine preparation was recommended. However, doses greater than 3 grams per day appear to improve the patient’s “subjective experience” of the disease.

Also, research from 2015 suggests that using lysine won’t prevent the occurrence of a cold sore, but it doesn’t usually cause negative side effects.

This essential amino acid is available as an oral supplement or a cream.

It’s important to know that OTC oral supplements, including lysine, are poorly regulated by the FDA. Before taking any oral supplement, you should first discuss it with a healthcare professional. Some supplements can be contaminated with active pharmaceuticals that may be harmful to you, 2024 research suggests.

When you have a cold sore, it can be tempting to touch it or pick at it.

Try to resist doing these things, which may delay the healing process:

  • Touch an open 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.
  • Attempt to pop the sore: 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.
  • Pick 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 leave a scar.
  • Aggressively wash: Vigorous scrubbing does not help a cold sore and may irritate already fragile skin.
  • Have oral sex: 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.
  • Eat acidic food: Food that’s 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 fare for a few days.

Cold sores usually go away on their own within a couple of weeks. If your cold sore lingers beyond 2 weeks, it might be time to check with your healthcare professional.

If you feel like you’re getting cold sores several times a year or more, that’s another good reason to check with your doctor. You may benefit from a prescription-strength antiviral medication.

Other reasons to talk with a doctor about cold sores:

  • severe pain
  • numerous cold sores
  • sores near your eyes
  • sores that have spread to other parts of your body

If you have eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, you may have cracked or bleeding areas on your skin. If HSV-1 spreads into those openings, it can cause complications.

Nothing can clear up a cold sore overnight, but some medications and treatments can shorten its life span and make you feel better, too.

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

Once your cord 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.

There’s nothing to be embarrassed about if a cold sore pops up on your lip. Many people get cold sores, so you’re definitely not alone, and it’ll likely heal up and go away on its own.

While you wait, try to take care of it the best you can. You have many treatment options that you can try. You can also use a cold, wet compress to keep the redness down or take an OTC pain medication if the sore is painful.

Before you know it, that cold sore will be just a memory.