How Are Cold Sores Diagnosed and Treated?
Cold sores normally go away on their own within 7 to 10 days. And although no medications can make the infection go away, prescription drugs and creams are available that can shorten the length of the outbreak and make the cold sore less painful. If you have a cold sore, it’s important to see your doctor if: • you have another health condition that has weakened your immune system • the sores don’t heal by themselves within 7 to 10 days • you get cold sores frequently • you have signs of a bacterial infection, such as fever, pus, or spreading redness To make yourself more comfortable when you have cold sores, you can apply ice or anything cool to the area. You also can take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
