Cold sore treatment: what works for fast relief and healing.

Best cold sore treatment options: prescription vs. over-the-counter.

The cold sore treatment that works best for you depends on how quickly you catch the cold sore and how bad your symptoms get.

Prescription cold sore treatments that work.

Antiviral pills are your best bet for stopping cold sores fast. 

The most common ones are valacyclovir (Valtrex), acyclovir (Zovirax) and famciclovir (Famvir).

These antivirals stop the virus from spreading. When you start taking them within the first day or two of feeling that tingle, they can:

• Cut healing time by 1-2 days
• Make the pain much less severe
• Help prevent the cold sore from getting as big

Prescription creams like acyclovir cream can also help when you put them right on the cold sore. They're not as powerful as the pills, but they still speed up healing.

Daily prevention medicine might make sense if you get cold sores more than 6 times a year. Taking antiviral medicine every day can stop most outbreaks before they start.

Over-the-counter options.

• Abreva (docosanol) is the only cold sore medicine you can buy without a prescription that's proven to work. It can shorten healing time by about a day if you start using it right when you feel the first tingle.
• Pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen help with the aching and swelling. You can also try numbing gels with benzocaine for quick relief.
• Ice packs work great during the first day or two. Put ice on the cold sore for 10-15 minutes several times a day to reduce swelling and numb the pain.
• Lip balm with sunscreen protects your healing skin. The sun can make cold sores worse and take longer to heal.

How to get rid of cold sores fast.

Getting rid of cold sores quickly means acting fast and taking good care of yourself while you heal.

Start cold sore treatment right away.

• Know the warning signs. That tingling, burning, or itchy feeling usually happens 6-24 hours before you see the actual cold sore. This is when medicine works best.
• Use treatments often. If you're using a cream, put it on every 2-3 hours like the directions say. Don't skip treatments just because it looks better.
• Take all your medicine. If a doctor gives you antiviral pills, take them all, even if you feel better. Stopping too early can make the cold sore come back worse.

Help your body heal.

• Keep it clean. Gently wash the area with soap and water, then pat it dry with a clean towel. This stops other germs from making things worse.
• Don't touch or pick at it. This is super important. Touching spreads the virus to other parts of your body and to other people. If you do touch it, wash your hands right away.
• Get plenty of sleep and drink water. Your immune system fights the virus better when you're rested and hydrated.
• Use your own things. Don't share towels, cups, or lip balm while you have a cold sore.

Things that don't help.

• Don’t use home remedies. Using household products like rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or toothpaste on your cold sore are old “tricks” that actually slow down healing and can hurt your skin.
• Don't try to pop it. The blister will go away on its own. Popping it can cause infection and leave a scar.

Cold sores are uncomfortable, but they're just one of many viral issues people face. Our health and wellness blog covers everything from seasonal illnesses to treating norovirus.

When to visit urgent care for cold sore treatment.

Most cold sores heal by themselves in about a week. But sometimes you need a doctor's help.

See a doctor right away if you have:

• Fever over 101°F
• Cold sores near your eyes or vision problems
• Pain so bad that regular pain medicine doesn't help
• Signs of infection, like pus or red streaks
• Cold sores that won't heal after two weeks

Who needs professional treatment for cold sores?

• People with weak immune systems from conditions like cancer or HIV should always see a doctor for cold sore treatment.
• Anyone getting cold sores often (more than 6 times a year) can benefit from prevention medicine that stops most outbreaks.
• First-time cold sore sufferers who want to make sure they're treating it right and learn how to prevent future herpes outbreaks.

At CityMD, we can prescribe stronger medicines that work faster than store-bought treatments. We'll also help you figure out the best plan to prevent future herpes outbreaks and make sure your cold sore isn't something more serious.

Cold sores are frustrating, but you don't have to suffer through them. Visit any CityMD location for fast, effective treatment that gets you feeling better quickly. No appointment needed, just walk in when it's convenient for you.