Cold sores are usually caused by HSV-1, which remains dormant in nerve cells and can reactivate due to triggers like sun, stress, or illness. Start treatment at the first tingle: use SPF 30+ on lips, a barrier ointment, and an approved topical antiviral (docosanol) or prescription oral antivirals for more severe or recurrent cases. Avoid touching or sharing items while sores are active. See a clinician for frequent outbreaks, large/long-lasting lesions, or if you are immunocompromised.

What causes cold sores

Cold sores (fever blisters) are caused most often by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). The virus lives in nerve cells and can reactivate later, producing the familiar tingling, blistering, and crusting stages of a cold sore.

Many people carry HSV-1 but never develop noticeable sores. About two-thirds of people worldwide have HSV-1 antibodies . Even without active lesions, the virus can spread during a prodrome (tingle or burn), while blisters are present, and until the skin has fully healed.

Common triggers

Triggers vary by person. Frequent ones include:
  • Sun or ultraviolet exposure
  • Fever, colds, or other illnesses
  • Emotional or physical stress
  • Hormonal changes (for example, during menstruation)
Avoiding strong triggers when possible reduces recurrence for some people.

How to treat a cold sore at home

Start treatment at the first sign of tingling for best results.
  • Protect lips with a broad-spectrum lip sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) and wear a hat in strong sun.
  • Use a bland barrier such as petroleum jelly to keep lesions moist and reduce cracking.
  • Apply an approved OTC topical antiviral (docosanol 10%) at the first sign of symptoms, following package directions.
  • For pain, use oral analgesics like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, and consider topical numbing agents (lidocaine) if needed.
  • Avoid popping blisters - that delays healing and increases contagion.

When to see a clinician

Contact a healthcare provider if:
  • You get frequent recurrences (several episodes a year).
  • Lesions are unusually large, painful, or persist beyond two weeks.
  • You have weakened immunity, eye symptoms, or signs of spreading infection.
Clinicians can prescribe oral antivirals (acyclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir). For frequent recurrences, daily suppressive antiviral therapy reduces outbreaks and lowers transmission risk.

Contagion and prevention

Cold sores are contagious. Avoid kissing, oral sex, and sharing cups, utensils, towels, or lip products from the moment you feel prodrome until the skin is healed.

Good hand hygiene and avoiding contact with newborns or people with compromised immune systems when you have a cold sore are important safety steps.

Lifestyle tips

Manage stress, use lip sunscreen, stay well hydrated, and treat colds promptly. If certain foods irritate your sore, avoid them while a lesion is present, but routine dietary salt avoidance is not a proven preventive strategy.

With prompt self-care and medical options when needed, most cold sores resolve without complications in about 7-14 days. If you have frequent or severe outbreaks, a clinician can evaluate treatment options.

  1. Verify current global HSV-1 seroprevalence estimate (statement: 'About two-thirds of people worldwide have HSV-1 antibodies').

FAQs about Rid Of Cold Sores

Are cold sores caused by the same virus as genital herpes?
Cold sores are most often caused by HSV-1. Genital herpes is usually caused by HSV-2, though HSV-1 can also cause genital infections through oral-genital contact.
When am I contagious?
You can spread the virus starting with the prodrome (tingling) through the blister and until the skin is fully healed. Avoid close contact and sharing items during this time.
Do over-the-counter creams work?
OTC docosanol (10%) can shorten healing if used at the first sign of symptoms. Petroleum jelly helps protect lesions but does not kill the virus.
When should I see a doctor?
See a clinician for frequent recurrences, lesions lasting longer than two weeks, eye involvement, severe pain, or if you have a weakened immune system. Prescription antivirals can shorten or suppress outbreaks.
Can sunscreen prevent cold sores?
Using lip sunscreen (SPF 30+) and limiting sun exposure can reduce sun-triggered reactivations for many people.

News about Rid Of Cold Sores

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