Ailments & ConditionsYour Health

The 7 Best Cold Sore Remedies

Fever blisters or cold sores are a common infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. They often show up in patches as fluid-filled and tiny blisters around or on the lips. Once they break, you may notice a scar for a few days. The condition tends to heal in 2 or 3 weeks. Close contact may spread the virus from person to person. There is currently no cure for cold sores, but some remedies can help manage symptoms of an outbreak. Below are the 7 best cold sore remedies that you can try.

Lip Balm

Using lip balm may help you keep the cold sores moisturized and prevent them from drying out. When they start to heal, they may sometimes bleed, peel, or crack. This could be very painful. You can simply apply lip balm to your mouth and lips to moisturize the area and help alleviate the pain or avoid bleeding. Keep in mind to wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying to prevent the infection from spreading. Do not share your lip balm with others.  [1]