How to get rid of a cold sore in 24 hours at home? 9 Ways

Cold sores—also known as oral herpes or fever blisters—are small, fluid-filled blisters that appear on or around the lips. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which spreads through skin-to-skin contact or saliva exposure.

A cold sore will go away on its own within one to two weeks, but these outbreaks can be very painful. That’s why most people look for treatment options that can help them get rid of these uncomfortable sores fast.

Unfortunately, once you have this viral infection, you carry it for life. The virus will stay dormant for weeks or months and only reappear during an outbreak or flare-up. Still, several treatment options are available to reduce your symptoms and speed up the healing process.

Causes of cold sores

The underlying cause of every cold sore is a viral infection. The factors that trigger the virus to flare up, however, differ. Understanding these triggers is the first step toward managing future outbreaks.

• Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) infection: The main cause of cold sores is the herpes simplex virus type 1. This virus is highly contagious and typically contracted through direct contact, for example, when kissing or sharing personal items like lip balm. Once the virus enters the body, it travels to nerve cells where it remains dormant until a trigger causes it to resurface as a blister.
• Weakened immune system: Your immune system acts as the gatekeeper that keeps the dormant virus in check. When a cold, the flu, or a chronic illness weakens your defenses, the virus may seize the opportunity to replicate. That's when a fever blister develops.
• Stress and fatigue: Emotional stress and physical exhaustion are among the most common triggers for an outbreak. Stress can suppress your immune response, making it easier for the dormant virus to reactivate and move toward the surface of the skin.
• Hormonal changes: Many people find that fluctuations in hormones can trigger cold sores. This is particularly common during menstruation, pregnancy, or other times of significant hormonal shifts. These shifts can temporarily alter the body's ability to keep the virus suppressed.
• Environmental triggers: External factors like harsh weather can damage the delicate skin on your lips. Intense sunlight (UV rays), cold winds, or extreme dryness can cause irritation or cracking, providing the perfect environment for a cold sore to emerge.

9 Ways to get rid of cold sores fast

While nothing can cure a cold sore instantly, prescription antiviral and OTC medication can help reduce pain caused by cold sores and speed up their healing process by a day.

Medicated treatment for cold sores

1) Prescription antiviral drugs

Prescription antiviral medication helps get rid of cold sores about one day sooner. These drugs treat the underlying cause of cold sores (the herpes simplex virus). They prevent the virus from replicating and spreading, which makes outbreaks worse. Antiviral cold sore treatment is most effective when taken within 24–48 hours of your first symptoms.

Because antiviral treatment works best when applied right away, an online doctor appointment helps you get a prescription within the same day your symptoms appear. They can prescribe medication to pick up at your local pharmacy, usually within a few hours of your appointment.

These drugs may be prescribed as an oral medication or topical cream applied directly to the sores. FDA-approved antiviral cold sore medication includes:

• Acyclovir (generic for Zovirax)
• Valacyclovir (generic for Valtrex)
• Famciclovir (generic for Famvir)
• Penciclovir (generic for Denavir)

Again, antiviral medication works best if you start treatment at the first sign of a cold sore outbreak. Talk to a provider online to get started with treatment right away.

2) Over-the-counter topical medications

Over-the-counter (OTC) treatment options can help reduce painful cold sore symptoms. Studies show that docosanol, specifically, works about as well as prescription medication. But, where some prescription medication can cost over $100 without insurance, you can buy docosanol at your local drugstore for about $10.

Common OTC topical treatment options include:

Docosanol (generic for Abreva): Docosanol is an antiviral medication that helps heal herpes sores faster. It is available as a lip balm or medicated gel. Take docosanol as soon as you begin to notice symptoms. It will heal lesions within 2–4 days.

Lidocaine and benzocaine (generic for Orajel): Lidocaine and benzocaine are OTC pain relievers that help soothe pain caused by cold sore lesions. They are available as lip balm or medicated liquids that can be applied to sores with an applicator. You will instantly experience pain relief, although the sore may take a week or two to heal completely.

Follow the packaging’s instructions when applying topical medication. Avoid touching the sore directly. Do not use more than the recommended amount of OTC medication, as this may cause side effects.

3) Over-the-counter pain relievers

While OTC pain relievers will not speed up recovery time, they can help reduce the pain and discomfort caused by cold sores. These drugs start to work within 30 minutes of being applied.

Common OTC pain relievers include:

• Acetaminophen (generic Tylenol)
• Ibuprofen (generic Advil)

If you are taking a prescription antiviral medication, talk to a healthcare provider about whether or not it is safe to supplement that treatment with OTC pain medication.

You should seek medical advice from a healthcare provider before using OTC medication to treat cold sores. Speaking to a healthcare provider can help you learn more about potential side effects and any precautions to take.

What are some home remedies for a cold sore?

Clinical studies have shown that medication, especially prescription antivirals, is effective. While home remedies have not been as extensively proven, some small studies show that they may help reduce pain symptoms and encourage faster healing.

4) Cold compress

Apply a cold compress or ice to the affected area to numb the painful burning sensation. This remedy can also reduce some of the redness and inflammation caused by sores. Wrap the ice in a clean, damp rag and hold it to the sore for 10 minutes. Do this 3 times a day as part of your cold sore self-care. Do not use cold compresses for longer than 15 minutes, as they can cause skin irritation. Do not apply ice directly to the skin, as this can irritate it. Cold compresses will soothe cold sore pain immediately and numb the area, but the effect will wear off with time.

5) Propolis

Propolis is a resin-like substance made by honey bees from the buds of poplar or cone-bearing trees. This extract has antiviral properties that can reduce symptoms and help a cold sore heal. Propolis is available in creams, ointments, and gels. Studies show that propolis can heal sores in 8 days, while acyclovir can take up to 9 days to heal a sore fully. However, some people have found that propolis irritates their skin further. If you begin to notice any side effects of propolis use, stop applying it and speak to a healthcare provider for the fastest way to get rid of a cold sore.

6) Lemon balm

Lemon balm is an herb in the mint family. Its essential oils contain antioxidants that may combat the herpes virus. Applying lemon balm gel or essential oil to an outbreak can help soothe symptoms and encourage healing. However, more research is needed to fully determine how effective lemon balm is as a cold sore treatment.

7) Aloe vera gel

Aloe vera has both anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. That's why it can be particularly helpful during the blistering stage of an outbreak. When applied topically, the clear gel can reduce swelling and redness while cooling the skin. For best results, use a pure, high-quality aloe vera gel and apply it gently with a clean cotton swab.

8) Manuka honey

Unlike standard honey, Manuka honey has strong antibacterial and antiviral qualities. When applied to a cold sore, the honey creates a protective barrier that keeps the area moist and prevents the virus from spreading further. Research also indicates that this kind of medical-grade honey may reduce the healing time of herpes.

9) Tea tree oil

This essential oil is well-known for its ability to fight viruses. Some studies have indicated that tea tree oil may even shorten the duration of an outbreak if applied early. However, it's important to always dilute it with a different oil—such as coconut or jojoba oil—to avoid skin irritation. It is most effective when used at the first sign of a tingling sensation. If used early, it may help soothe the area before a full blister develops.

What not to do with cold sores

Managing an active outbreak is as much about what you avoid as it is about the treatments you apply. Because the virus is highly contagious and the skin is particularly sensitive during a flare-up, certain actions can worsen the pain or lead to secondary infections.

• Don't touch or pick at the sores: Resist the temptation of touching the area, especially when it itches or tingles. Your hands can introduce bacteria to the open blister. When you touch the sore and then other parts of your body—like your eyes or nose—you also risk spreading the virus to new locations. This can lead to more serious complications.
• Don't pop or squeeze the blisters: Cold sores are filled with fluid. That fluid contains a high concentration of the active virus. Instead of speeding up healing, popping a blister releases the virus onto the surrounding skin. It can also lead to permanent scarring and leave the raw skin underneath vulnerable to bacterial infections that may require antibiotics.
• Don't share personal items: During an outbreak, you should strictly avoid sharing anything that comes into contact with your mouth. This includes towels, razors, lip balms, and cutlery. The virus can live on these surfaces for a short period of time. Sharing them is one of the most common ways the infection is passed to others.
• Don't give or receive oral sex: Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus. That's why cold sores can easily be transmitted from the mouth to the genital area, resulting in genital herpes. Wait until the sore has completely scabbed over and fallen off naturally before engaging in any intimate contact to protect your partner.
• Don't use harsh or flavored lip products: It's important to keep the area moisturized, but you should avoid lip balms with heavy fragrances or menthol during an active flare-up. These ingredients can dry out the blister, causing it to crack and bleed, which resets the healing clock and keeps you dealing with the outbreak for longer.

Cold sore prevention

Once infected with the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), you will carry it for the rest of your life. While the underlying cause of cold sores cannot be cured, you can use preventative measures to help reduce the risk of an outbreak.

To help prevent and manage outbreaks, doctors often recommend the following:

• Moisturize: You are more likely to get cold sores if your lips are dry. Dry and chapped lips can become irritated, triggering a cold sore outbreak. To prevent this, use lip balms and lip creams to keep lips moisturized

• Protect your lips: The sun can dry out your lips, increasing the risk that they become cracked and irritated. Use zinc oxide cream or a sunscreen lip balm with SPF to protect your lips from the sun. This will prevent drying and cracking, which are common triggers of cold sore outbreaks.

• Take lysine supplements: Oral lysine supplements or topical lysine creams have been shown to prevent outbreaks and speed up their healing time.

• Avoid oral sex: This is especially important during active outbreaks. Kissing and skin contact are among the most common forms of HSV-1 transmission.

• Avoid sharing: The HSV-1 virus spreads through contact and saliva exposure. Avoid sharing lip balms, toothbrushes, and other products that may come into contact with sores.

• De-stress: Stress can affect your immune system, triggering a flare-up of cold sore symptoms. Try deep breathing exercises and meditation to help manage your stress. This can help reduce your risk of triggering an outbreak while also positively impacting your overall wellness.

How Sesame can help

At Sesame, you can get cold sore help fast with same-day online cold sore treatment. These convenient and affordable appointments will connect you to a provider right away to discuss treatment options and ways to soothe an outbreak.

Cold sores FAQs

What is the best cure for a cold sore?

Strictly speaking, there is no permanent cure for the herpes simplex virus. It remains in the body once contracted. However, the most effective way to manage an outbreak is through prescription antiviral medications such as valacyclovir or acyclovir. These treatments stop the virus from replicating, which can significantly reduce the severity of the symptoms and speed up healing.

How can I get rid of cold sores in 24 hours?

While it's not medically possible to completely eliminate a cold sore in a single day, you can dramatically reduce its visibility and discomfort within those first 24 hours. Starting a high-dose prescription antiviral treatment immediately can help prevent a blister from forming fully. For an existing sore, antiviral creams and cold compresses can help bring down swelling and redness quickly. That way the outbreak is much less noticeable within 24 hours. If you’re unable to pick up your own prescription, you may send someone else to pick it up in your place.

Should you remove a cold sore scab?

You should never intentionally pick at or remove a cold sore scab. The scab acts as a natural bandage, preventing spreading and protecting the new skin forming underneath. If you pull it off prematurely, you risk opening the wound and lengthening recovery time. This can even lead to scarring and secondary bacterial infections. It's best to let the scab soften and fall off on its own as the skin heals.

Is it better to keep a cold sore moist or dry?

Keeping a cold sore lightly moisturized generally helps healing and comfort when dealing with a cold sore. If it becomes too dry, the skin can crack and bleed, which is not only painful but can also prolong the scabbing stage. A simple, fragrance-free petroleum jelly or a medicated lip balm help keep the skin flexible. However, avoid "suffocating" the sore with heavy layers of ointment. A thin barrier is sufficient to protect the area while still allowing the skin to breathe and recover.