Cold Sore Treatment

Self-Care at Home

Cold sores contain the HSV-1 virus. People with cold sores should wash their hands often, especially after touching the face. Cups and eating utensils should not be shared with another person. Home remedies have not been shown to improve healing, but cold compresses may relieve pain temporarily. Lysine, an amino acid, was once thought to be a potential treatment, but the evidence for this is unconvincing. Other home remedies including vitamin supplements have not been well studied.