Cold sores are red-colored blisters filled with fluid, usually found near the mouth and other areas on the face. These blisters can also be found inside the mouth, fingers, or nose, in some rare cases. The herpes simplex virus is the cause of cold sores. This virus is contagious and can spread through close contacts, like kissing. The condition might last for two to four weeks and can recur as well.

Treatment
Below are some treatment options for cold sores.

1. Medications
You can consume oral antiviral medications that can nurse cold sores. These include drugs like famciclovir (Famvir), acyclovir (Zovirax), and valacyclovir (Valtrex), which are available as pills. You can only purchase these medicines with a prescription. If you suffer from frequent outbreaks of blisters or there are complications with your cold sores, your doctor might prescribe antiviral medicines that need to be taken regularly. Oral medications, when consumed before the rashes appear, effectively decrease the duration of the outbreak.

Pills are found to be better than creams in the treatment of cold sores. Some antiviral drugs in the form of injections are used to treat severe cases of cold sores. If you are a nursing mother or pregnant, check with your doctor before taking any oral medication.

2. Ointments and creams
Antiviral ointments such as penciclovir (Denavir) can be helpful in managing pain and healing cold sores. However, they are most effective when applied on the appearance of the first signs of a cold sore. You need to apply the antiviral ointment approximately four or five times a day, regularly for five days.

If you are looking for an over-the-counter (OTC) antiviral cream, docosanol (Abreva) can be a suitable option. This cream can reduce the duration of an outbreak by a day or at least a few hours. The effects and healing of topical ointments are limited as compared to pills, as the medicine cannot effectively reach the site where the virus replicates.

Home remedies

1. Aloe vera
You might find some relief by applying the aloe vera gel. You can opt for an aloe vera lip balm or gel and apply it on the cold sores at least thrice a day.

2. Cold or warm compress
You might ease some of the symptoms of cold sores by applying washcloths soaked in cold water or ice over them. This helps promote healing and removes the crusts in the affected area. Opt for a warm compress if you are looking to reduce the pain caused by blisters.

3. Lip balm
Make sure your lips stay moisturized by using a cream or lip balm. You can also prevent your lips from getting damaged from the sun by applying a lip balm with sunblock or a zinc oxide cream.