The 6 Best Cold Sore Remedies According To A Doctor

  references
  
      Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: "Prevalence of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 and Type 2 in Persons Aged 14–49: United States, 2015–2016"
    
      American Academy of Dermatology: "Cold Sores: Tips for Managing"
    
      Harvard Health Publishing: "Preventing Cold Sores"
    
      Brown Health Services: "Cold Sores"
    
      Cleveland Clinic: "Cold Sores"
    
      University of Maryland Medical Center: "Lemon Balm"
    
      Molecules: "Glycerosome of Melissa officinalis L. Essential Oil for Effective Anti-HSV Type 1"
    
      American Academy of Family Physicians: "How to Treat a Cold Sore"
    
      University of Florida: "Medicinal Plant of This Week: Lemon Balm"

Is this an emergency? If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the National Library of Medicine’s list of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911.

Antivirals are the best cold sore treatment, but even they can't get rid of a cold sore overnight.

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Antiviral Cream
Pain Relievers
Ice
Patches
Foods
Vaseline
Lemon Balm
Rubbing Alcohol
Hydrogen Peroxide
Toothpaste
Baking Soda
Tea Tree Oil
Garlic
How to Prevent Cold Sores

There are over-the-counter options, or your doctor can write you a prescription.

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Pain meds won't cure a cold sore, but they can ease symptoms.

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Put the chill on cold sore symptoms by reaching for ice.

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These patches may speed up healing.

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Spicy foods like chicken wings don't mix well with cold sores.

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It's not a cure, but Vaseline could help your cold sore.

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      Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: "Prevalence of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 and Type 2 in Persons Aged 14–49: United States, 2015–2016"
    
      American Academy of Dermatology: "Cold Sores: Tips for Managing"
    
      Harvard Health Publishing: "Preventing Cold Sores"
    
      Brown Health Services: "Cold Sores"
    
      Cleveland Clinic: "Cold Sores"
    
      University of Maryland Medical Center: "Lemon Balm"
    
      Molecules: "Glycerosome of Melissa officinalis L. Essential Oil for Effective Anti-HSV Type 1"
    
      American Academy of Family Physicians: "How to Treat a Cold Sore"
    
      University of Florida: "Medicinal Plant of This Week: Lemon Balm"