Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are small painful blisters that can develop on the lips, around the mouth, or in the nasal passages. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) and are contagious. While cold sores will eventually go away on their own, there are things you can do at home to help relieve pain and speed healing. However, it’s important to be careful about what you put on a cold sore, as some ingredients can actually make it worse.
What causes cold sores?
Cold sores are caused by HSV-1, a virus that many people are exposed to in childhood. Once a person is infected, the virus lies dormant in the nerves. It can reactivate and cause cold sores at any time, often when the immune system is weakened by factors like stress, fatigue, illness, or sun exposure. The virus spreads through skin-to-skin contact, so cold sores are very contagious through direct contact, shared items like cups or lip balm, or saliva. However, you cannot get HSV-1 from casual contact like hugging or handshakes.
Can cold sores be dangerous?
For most people, cold sores are an annoyance but not dangerous. However, HSV-1 can be serious for certain high-risk groups:
- Newborns – Can develop neonatal herpes if exposed during childbirth
- People with weakened immune systems – Increased risk of complications
- Eyes – HSV-1 can cause eye infections and damage
Rarely, HSV-1 can spread to the central nervous system and cause meningitis or encephalitis. See your doctor right away if you have symptoms like fever, headache, or confusion along with cold sores.
What helps heal cold sores faster?
While there is no cure for HSV-1, you can help speed healing and relieve pain with:
- Antiviral medications like acyclovir or valacyclovir
- Oral anesthetics like benzocaine (applied directly on the sore)
- Petroleum jelly to keep the area moisturized
- Ice packs or cold compresses to ease pain and swelling
Most cold sores heal within 2-3 weeks without treatment. Proper wound care and avoiding irritants can help them heal faster and prevent spreading the virus.
What should you avoid putting on a cold sore?
Some ingredients can irritate or inflame cold sores and delay healing. Things to avoid include:
- Citrus fruits/juices (lemon, lime, orange, etc.)
- Spicy foods
- Makeup
- Toothpaste
- Skin products with alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, mint, camphor, eucalyptus
- Garlic
- Onion
Avoid kissing, sharing food/drinks, or oral sex when you have an active cold sore to prevent spreading it. It’s also important not to pick at or pop cold sore blisters, as this can worsen the infection.
What ingredients help cold sores heal?
Certain ingredients have properties that can aid cold sore healing. Look for products containing:
- Tea tree oil – Has antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties
- Lysine – Amino acid that counters arginine, which the virus needs to multiply
- Lemon balm – Has antioxidants that fight viruses
- Petroleum jelly – Seals in moisture to promote healing
- Aloe vera gel – Soothes irritation and inflammation
- Zinc oxide – Boosts the immune response against viruses
Using a cold sore treatment with these ingredients can help shorten the duration of outbreaks and provide relief from symptoms.
Are there any home remedies for cold sores?
In addition to medications and topical treatments, some home remedies may aid cold sore healing. Here are some options:
Ice
Applying an ice pack or cold compress to a developing cold sore can help reduce inflammation and pain. Do this for 5-10 minutes several times a day.
Black tea bags
Wet black tea bags contain tannins that can help dry out cold sores. Hold a warm tea bag on the sore for a few minutes.
Salt water
Gargling with warm salt water may help cold sores inside the mouth. Mix 1 teaspoon salt per cup of warm water.
Milk
Dab whole milk on the cold sore using a cotton ball up to four times a day. Milk contains antibodies and proteins that fight viruses.
Hydrogen peroxide
Dilute hydrogen peroxide with water, then dab it on the sore using a cotton swab. This disinfects the site.
When to see a doctor for cold sores
See your doctor if:
- It’s your first cold sore outbreak
- The sore doesn’t heal within 2 weeks
- You have symptoms like fever, muscle aches, or swollen glands
- The sore is very large, painful, or spreads to your eyes
For severe cases, your doctor may prescribe stronger antiviral medications to speed healing. Seek emergency care if you have symptoms of HSV-1 infection spreading to your central nervous system.
Conclusion
While cold sores will go away on their own, you can help the healing process and alleviate discomfort with some over-the-counter treatments. Look for products containing antiviral, soothing ingredients like tea tree oil, lysine, lemon balm, petroleum jelly, aloe vera, and zinc oxide. Avoid irritants like citrus, spices, alcohol, and menthol. See a doctor if your symptoms are severe or persist beyond 2 weeks. With some TLC and avoidance of triggers, you can get rid of a cold sore more quickly.
| Things to Avoid Putting on a Cold Sore | Ingredients to Help Heal Cold Sores |
|---|---|
|
|
Home Remedies for Cold Sores
| Remedy | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Ice | Reduces inflammation and pain |
| Black tea bags | Tannins help dry out the sore |
| Salt water | Soothes sores inside the mouth |
| Milk | Contains antiviral antibodies and proteins |
| Hydrogen peroxide | Disinfects the site |